Crisis Management Team Setup

This playbook outlines the steps for assembling a crisis management team, defining team roles and responsibilities, and establishing protocols for effective decision-making during a crisis.

Step 1: Team Assembly

Identify and select individuals from various departments within the organization who will form the crisis management team. Key stakeholders should include representatives from management, operations, legal, finance, communications, and any other relevant department.

Step 2: Define Roles

Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member. This may include designating a team leader, a spokesperson, and point persons for each critical area like operations, logistics, legal issues, and media relations.

Step 3: Protocol Development

Establish clear decision-making protocols to ensure efficient and timely responses during a crisis. This includes outlining the process for gathering information, making decisions, and who has the authority to make final decisions.

Step 4: Communication Plan

Develop a communication plan that details how the team will communicate internally and externally. This should include strategies for informing employees, stakeholders, and the public, as well as plans for media relations and social media communications.

Step 5: Training

Conduct regular training sessions for the crisis management team to ensure each member understands their role and the protocols. Include simulations and drills to practice the team's response to various crisis scenarios.

Step 6: Review & Update

Periodically review and update the crisis management plan. Revisit the team composition, roles, and communication plans regularly to ensure relevance and preparedness for potential crises.

General Notes

Cross-Functional

Ensure the team is cross-functional and includes members who can address a wide range of issues that may arise during a crisis.

Leadership Buy-in

Securing executive and senior management buy-in is crucial for the crisis management team's authority and effectiveness.

Documentation

All roles, responsibilities, protocols, and plans should be well-documented and easily accessible to the team members.

Regular Updates

Keep the crisis management plan dynamic by regularly integrating lessons learned from training and real crisis events, as well as changes in personnel or business operations.