Issues and Crisis Comms

Question 1

Goals of issue management

Answer 1

Predict problems,
anticipate threats,
minimize risk,
size opportunities,
resolve problems and prevent crises.

Question 2

Issue management vs. crisis management

Answer 2

Proactive vs. reactive

Question 3

What is risk communication?

Answer 3

Messages designed to protect publics from harm (ex. warning labels, safety signage)

Question 4

Three types of crisis

Answer 4

Immediate - disaster, accident
Emerging - issue that is brewing that could disrupt operations or reputation
Sustained - Continued negative news coverage or rumors

Question 5

Elements of a crisis plan

Answer 5

Identify vulnerabilities
Develop scenarios
Pay attention to worst case scenarios
Evaluate probability of worst case
Review policies
Review key messages

Seitel’s four keys to crisis
Define risk
Describe actions
Identify cause of risk
Demonstrate responsible action

Question 6

Lykaszewski’s planning steps

Answer 6

Identify what can go wrong and become highly visible.
Assign priorities based on most urgent vulnerabilities
Draft questions, answers and resolutions
Focus on what to do and what to say
Contain and counteract - not react and respond