Strategic Crisis Leadership
Bruce T. Blythe, CEOwww.cmiatl.com404-841-3400
For:
Copyright © 2009 Crisis Management International All Rights Reserved
Business, Braves and the Bottom-Line™
Educational Seminar Series
“Crises magnify the significance of small weaknesses.” Bruce T. Blythe
Stewards of Core Assets
• People
• Reputation
• Brand
• Trust
• Finances
• Shareholder value
• Ability of operate
• Physical property
• Intellectual property
• Key Relationships
In a crisis, your job is to protect . . .
Crisis Management vs. Crisis Leadership
Crisis response . . .
Managing vs. Leading React AnticipateShort-term Long-termProcess PrinciplesNarrow Wide
focusTactical Strategic
Crisis Leadership Triad
Be
Know Do
1. Vision / Know
2. Communication / Do
3. Caring / Be
Eyes
Mouth
Heart
Defining MomentDefining Decision: Turning point.
Crossroads. Strategic direction.
That answers . . . • How will you handle this crisis?
Establishing Vision
• Journaling• Research findings:
•Increases clarity•Enhances judgment •Improves decision making
“Write it down”
Establishing Vision: Rule of Thumb
• Core Assets
• Protection
• Impacted Stakeholders • Identify and
address needs and concerns
• Anticipation
• Likely progression Crisis leadership Rules of
Thumb
Focus on “CIA”:
Crisis Communications
So people will understand and retain, use . . .
• 3 key messages…… maximum
•Each 7 to 12 words… maximum
• 3 supporting facts…. maximum
Source: Center for Risk Communication
Guiding Principles…Values for Caring Crisis Response
1. Well-being of people first, with caring and compassion
2. Assume appropriate responsibility
3. Address needs of all stakeholders in a timely manner
4. All decisions and actions based on honesty and ethical guidelines
5. Available, visible and open communication with all impacted parties
Crisis Leadership Checklist• Strategic Mapping
• Define the crisis (beyond the obvious)• Issues / impact on core assets• How can the situation escalate?• What would successful resolution look like… for each
stakeholder?
• Stakeholders• Anticipate needs of every impacted stakeholder• What would you want if you were in their position?
• Impact• What would be the impact of our actions? (Intended vs.
Unintended)
• Implementation• What needs to: Start? Stop?• Who is going to do it? (Reports to whom?)• Timing? (Immediate, Delay, Defer?)• Communications to and from each appropriate
stakeholder
Strategic Crisis Leadership
Bruce T. Blythe, CEOwww.cmiatl.com404-841-3400
For:
Copyright © 2009 Crisis Management International All Rights Reserved
Business, Braves and the Bottom-Line™
Educational Seminar Series