“10 Crisis Communication Plan

 

Scenarios
Refer to the “10 Crisis Communication Plan Examples (and How to Write Your Own)” and watch the videos, “Judy Smith on Responding to a Crisis” and “Watch Judy Smith Speak at Fortune’s MPW Summit – Fortune Most Powerful Women,” located in the Topic 7 Resources, to provide guidance when addressing your selected situation.
Read through the options and choose one of the scenarios below for this assignment. The scenario statements provide a glimpse into the circumstance, but you will need to customize it for your crisis.
• Scenario 1: Employee or Hiring Discrimination: We take diversity and inclusion seriously at [company]. We are an equal opportunity employer and [consider all applicants/respect all employees] without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Our goal is to ensure that we are providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees. As such, we are actively and seriously reviewing [this claim/these claims] to determine the appropriate next steps.
• Scenario 2: Sexual Harassment: At [company], we believe that all employees should treat each other with respect. We stand with any individual who has the courage to speak out when those values are not honored. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive workplace for all. We are actively reviewing [this claim/these claims] to determine the appropriate next steps and are offering our full support to the [person/people] who came forward.
• Scenario 3: Unexpected Loss of CEO/Executive (Death): We are saddened to announce that [name] has passed away. Amidst this time of tragic loss, our focus right now is on supporting the people closest to [him/her], our employees, and all of those affected by [his/her] passing. [Insert name], who had the benefit of working closely with [name], will be serving as interim [Title of deceased].
• Scenario 4: Unexpected Loss of CEO/Executive (Unexpectedly Quits/Resigns): [Name of employee] has resigned from [his/her] former position at [company] as [title], effective [date]. [Name] will assume the position of [title] on an [interim/permanent] basis. We believe this transition will aid us in achieving our mission as a company. We wish nothing but the best for [resigned employee] and [his/her] successful and prosperous future, and we thank [him/her] for [his/her] [months/years/decades] of dedicated service to [company].
• Scenario 5: Unexpected Loss of CEO/Executive (Removed from Role): [Company] can confirm [employee] is parting ways with the company, effective [date]. [Optional: If this termination is due to a public crisis, such as harassment or illegal activity, mention that his/her behavior was unacceptable at the company, and to protect the integrity of your company, he/she was removed from his/her position]. We have officially named [name] as [interim/permanent] [title]. We believe this transition will aid us in achieving our mission as a company. [Optional: If this termination is due to a public crisis, such as harassment or illegal activity, mention that the company is actively reviewing the situation and what steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again].

Create a 5-8-slide PowerPoint presentation that will be delivered to the internal crisis management team. Refer to “Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations” in the Topic 7 Resources as needed for additional guidance. In your presentation, be sure to include the following:
• Address at least these four key elements of a crisis communication plan: crisis team, designated spokesperson, media policy/plan, and statement. Note also how the recommended statement is persuasive to achieve the desired outcome.
• Discuss legal considerations regarding confidentiality in your crisis communication plan.
• Create the final messages for both internal and external stakeholders.

Sample Solution

Crisis Communication Plan: Unexpected Loss of CEO (Death)

Slide 1: Title Slide

  • Title: Unexpected Loss of [CEO Name]
  • Subtitle: Crisis Communication Plan
  • Company Logo
  • Date

Slide 2: Introduction

  • Briefly state the passing of [CEO Name]
  • Express profound sadness and offer condolences
  • Reassure audience (internal team) that leadership is focused on supporting all those affected

Slide 3: Crisis Communication Team

  • List key members of the crisis communication team (names, titles)
  • Roles and responsibilities of each team member
  • Communication channels for internal team

Slide 4: Designated Spokesperson

  • Identify the designated spokesperson (e.g., Board Chair, COO)
  • Explain rationale for choosing this individual
  • Spokesperson training and media availability (if applicable)

Slide 5: Media Policy/Plan

  • Statement:
    • Briefly announce [CEO Name]’s passing and express condolences.
    • Highlight [CEO Name]’s contributions and legacy to the company.
    • Reassure stakeholders of company stability and ongoing operations.
    • Mention the appointment of an interim CEO (if applicable).
  • Media inquiries:
    • Direct all media inquiries to the designated spokesperson or communications team.
    • Provide contact information (email preferred).
    • Emphasize controlled, consistent messaging across all channels.

Slide 6: Legal Considerations

  • Respect for the deceased and their family’s privacy
  • Maintain confidentiality of any sensitive information
  • Legal counsel involvement regarding press releases and media statements

Slide 7: Internal Communication

  • Town Hall Meeting:
    • Schedule a virtual or in-person town hall for all employees.
    • Spokesperson delivers opening remarks and answers questions.
    • Offer resources for employee support (e.g., grief counseling).
  • Internal Memo:
    • Briefly announce the passing and planned town hall meeting.
    • Express company support and resources available.

Slide 8: External Communication

  • Press Release:
    • Use the pre-approved statement mentioned in Slide 5.
    • Issue the press release through official company channels.
  • Social Media:
    • Share a respectful message on company social media platforms.
    • Avoid speculation or unverified information.
    • Direct inquiries to the media contact information.

Additional Considerations (Slide 8 or Presenter Notes)

  • Website:
    • Update company website with a message about the passing.
    • Include the press release and links to relevant resources.
  • Continuing Operations:
    • Briefly address business continuity and leadership structure.
    • Reassure stakeholders of continued commitment to company goals.

Remember:

  • Tailor this template to your specific company and situation.
  • Maintain a sincere, respectful, and informative tone throughout communication.
  • Transparency and timely communication are crucial during a crisis.

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