The SPA Way has particular expertise in handling crisis management and implementing damage limitation programmes.
During the last 15 years Sara Pearson and her team have managed a considerable number of different crisis situations where the potential for commercial and moral damage has been significant.
Nowadays the 'web effect' has ensured that media exposure has a shelf life way beyond the 'today's news is tomorrow's chip wrapper' of old. The consequence of the longstanding impact on businesses and individuals is critical and as such should be a primary consideration both in terms of achieving effective crisis management but also in ensuring maximum positive media coverage.
Preparation for crisis management is still resisted by many companies in the fond or superstitious belief that it will not be needed. Yet most businesses have vulnerabilities that need proper recognition and plans in place for the most likely probabilities. Without a structure and a set of core protocols if a crisis occurs the scope to put in place the best possible damage limitation programme is severely compromised.
Crisis management programmes should be governed by:
The drill for crisis management should not be left to chance. Not only is training required to ensure those likely to have external interface, especially with the media, are equipped and able to handle the most tricky press situations but also to manage the internal consequences of a crisis is the most effective way.