All businesses will go through some form of crisis at least once in their lifetime. How the business comes through this is very much to do with the management style of those in charge. A great manager will be able to inspire a team through any difficulties and enable them to come through the other side with a positive attitude that can help to rebuild the business.
Crises come in all shapes and sizes. This could range from a natural occurrence, such as a flood, fire or earthquake, through to human problems, including a theft, bad investment or social media disaster.
The management need to have the necessary skills to keep the team motivated so that they can continue working for the good of the business.
One leader who has shown how to successfully handle a crisis is Max Mosley. He was in charge of the FIA through a number of serious issues, including Ayrton Senna’s death. He is still seen as a point of authority within Formula One, including during the recent incident involving driver Jules Bianchi. When Mr. Mosley discusses Jules Bianchi’s accident, he takes on board the seriousness of the situation, but confidently handles the media and shows how and why certain actions were taken.
Here are some tips on effective crisis management:
Be prepared
Having a plan in place can allow you to respond quicker and more successfully to a crisis. All businesses should put together a crisis communications plan, which will include who to put forward to speak about an issue and what they should be saying.
Have a response
If your business is facing a crisis, then you need to speak publicly about it as soon as possible. The rise of the internet and social media means that a minor issue can quickly become a crisis if you’re not careful. If you don’t say anything, then people will find out information from somewhere else, so it’s always best to be honest and transparent.
Be media trained
A good manager needs to be an effective spokesperson. You should be confident in dealing with the media and deliver a consistent message throughout the crisis. Effective training will enable you to understand the business better and answer questions confidently and succinctly.
Be positive
Employees will quickly pick up on any negativity, so it’s important to maintain a positive persona throughout the crisis. If you keep strong and have a positive attitude, then it’s more likely to keep your employees moving and focussed on the business.
Be accountable
As a manager, you need to take charge of the situation straight away and stand up for the business. Even if a scandal hits, you can still have a positive outcome if you take responsibility for any actions and try to put a handle on the situation.
By working through these processes and remaining calm and confident throughout, you can lead your company through anything that may hit. A good manager will steer his or her team and ensure everyone comes out the other side.