Things can go wrong in even the best led and well managed enterprises, and when they do it often results in a serious issue generating negative publicity.
There is only one chance to effectively manage such an issue from the outset, and grasping that opportunity requires detailed preparation.
Successful issues management is based on calm, clear and consistent communication of a pre agreed position right from the start.
A business simply must have an issues management plan that identifies potential problems, determines various positions and actions that can be taken, then establishes the process to agree and communicate the best messages.
The bigger the organisation and the more serious the issue, the better that plan and its execution must be.
Outside help is often the key. An experienced issues management consultant can be pivotal to an organisation’s ability to cut through and deal with a tough issue.
While it is often best to get your side of the story across quickly, be certain of the facts before going on record.
Whatever happens don’t lie. History is littered with the wreckage of those that have tried to lie their way out of trouble.
Most issues are survivable, botched cover-ups are not.