Preparing businesses to be crisis capable

It has been a testing time for many businesses who have been affected by the current health situation, and this impact varies across different organisations.

Now more than ever it is important for businesses to be crisis capable, with reputation risks forecast, response plans in place and leaders trained.

Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) recently hosted a digital workshop with a communications expert to provide information on strategies, practices and core behaviours for identifying and managing reputational risk.

Managing Director of BBS Communications Group, Lisa Nixon, presented in the three-hour digital workshop.

“Successful organisations plan for crises and pay as much attention to communication risks and responses as to operational ones,” Ms Nixon said.

“My goal during this session was to try and give the tools and strategies to make sure leaders are in the best possible position to be able to manage their organisations’ reputation in a crisis, and even come out the other side in a stronger position.”

“It’s definitely possible for organisations to enhance their reputation with stakeholders in a crisis environment”. 

“Digital communication in particular has changed the game, and whether we like it or not social media is a huge factor to be considered in managing reputational risk.”

“There is greater potential than ever before for your crisis to become public knowledge.”

General Manager for TSBE Food Leaders Australia, Bruce McConnel opened the online event and emphasised the importance of workshops like this, which TSBE are facilitating in partnership with TAFE Queensland.

“TSBE has recently entered into a new partnership with TAFE Queensland and as part of this new initiative, are working with members and local businesses to understand what the current industry learning and upskilling needs are,” Mr McConnel said.

“This is the first of many regular workshops to be hosted by TSBE and we encourage feedback to help us understand the shortages in industry skills so that we can facilitate future industry learning.”

Businesses need to be able to recognise how crisis capable they are, and consider where they can improve.

Early, clear communication is key during a crisis, and reputation can even be enhanced if the organisation has engaged effectively.

TSBE will be running a series of webinars in the coming weeks. Visit www.tsbe.com.au to keep up to date.