I attended Reed Dickens’ breakout about “Rules of Engagement: The Art of Communication” at The Orange Conference and perhaps the most important point that struck a chord with me is Reed’s discussion about speed and transparency.
Specifically for Crisis Management, the first 24 hours is the most critical and organizations must have a critical balance of the two.
But, the key take away, from my perspective, is how blogs (and microblogs) have enabled speed and transparency to an amazing degree and can be a valuable communications channel for ministries.
Reed gave a sad but typical example of a youth pastor who made one too many bad decisions with some of the female youth that he ministered to and how the ministry stayed silent instead of using the opportunity to be transparent.
Big mistake.
Instead of taking control of the situation the situation took control and it became an even worse crisis to manage.
Have you ever considered the blogging medium as a way to help manage crisis in your ministry or organization? It’s not only viable but easy to leverage as well.
[Image from CrashCandy]
Jim says
in the right context, yes, and obviously if there was a blog in place. i'm thinking this is going to be key in the near future
Paul Steinbrueck says
Hey John, I wish I could have been there for this session. This is so true and a big mantra of mine. I run into so many people who still think that the best strategy in a crisis is to circle the wagons or to say nothing and hope everything blows over.
"Get out in front of it!"
That's what I say. Get people the truth before they get the rumors, speculation, and worst-case scenarios ruin you.
Josh Wagner says
When you have "speed and transparency" you can control your crisis better. You break the story, you be honest. It's far better to be up front and take some lumps than take the poison darts from the shadows because you tried to let it blow over.
It all comes down to taking responsibility and owning your mistakes.
human3rror says
Josh, totally agree. amazing how many people mess up here.
Bill Seybolt says
My takeaway from that breakout was that transparency is a process. You put out as much as you can and then continue through discovery. As you find out more, bring it forward. It's not a "one time announcement" either.
human3rror says
that's a good point. thanks for adding your 2 cents on that.
an aside here… but… what did you think about his “presentational” side?
Bill says
Was that since he work for W., they would make up words as well?
Graham Brenna says
Sad story for sure. Blogs are definitely a way to keep us all honest to some degree. They can hold us accountable for our actions.