Crafting Messages That Reassure During a Crisis

Don't bury your head in the sand - what is happening in LA is affecting your people. Here is some language to help - proactive, empathetic communication during disruptive life events matters. "Good morning, We know that some of you are carrying an extra weight of concern this week as unrest ripples through Los Angeles. The images, the stories, and the very real impact on our communities are distressing — and for some of us, they are deeply personal. We want to acknowledge that these events do not stay outside the workplace. It is okay to feel distracted, upset, angry, fearful, or numb — and it is okay to need support. Please know that your well-being matters. We encourage everyone to take care of themselves and one another. If you need flexibility, time to process, or someone to talk to, please reach out to your manager or HR. Our Employee Assistance Program is also available [include link if applicable]. Let’s continue to be a workplace where care and empathy guide how we show up for each other — especially in difficult moments like this. With care, [Your Name or Company Name]" #empathy #empathyatwork #handlewithcare #communications #crisiscommunications

When a major crisis strikes your event—such as a serious injury, death, significant security threat, or major public health emergency—the situation typically unfolds through predictable stages. Being prepared to communicate effectively at each stage is crucial. Here's a clear framework to guide your messaging: Stage 1: Triage & Information Fans urgently need clear, factual updates. Without prompt communication, misinformation spreads fast. • Fan Messaging: Immediately provide clear, factual updates and instructions. • Managing Media: Journalists initially focus on speed, prioritizing facts to publish quickly. Being first with accurate, official information lets you control the early narrative. ___ Stage 2: Empathy & Solutions Fans feel emotional impacts deeply. They want acknowledgment and action. • Fan Messaging: Clearly express empathy and outline specific, actionable solutions. • Managing Media: Reporters seek deeper stories and personal impacts. Provide empathetic spokespersons and practical solutions proactively to shape coverage positively. ___ Stage 3: Optimism & Nostalgia Fans seek reassurance and positive perspectives to rebuild enthusiasm. • Fan Messaging: Offer hopeful, forward-looking content, highlighting past festival experiences and future plans. • Managing Media: Media shifts to stories of recovery and resilience. Proactively pitch positive narratives about your festival’s future plans and community solidarity. _____ Stage 4: Return to Normalcy Even after a crisis passes, accountability matters. Reflect transparently, share lessons learned, and changes made. • Fan Messaging: Share clearly what was learned, changes made, and improvements implemented, demonstrating transparency and accountability. • Managing Media: Investigative journalism typically emerges later, thoroughly examining accountability and preventive measures. Prepare detailed responses and engage proactively to positively influence the investigative narrative. Missteps in crisis communication—like delays, lack of empathy, or inconsistent messaging—can permanently damage your festival’s reputation. Adopting this structured approach helps safeguard and even strengthen your brand. Want to dive deeper? Read on here: https://lnkd.in/gdBNx-bD

📢 When chaos strikes, clear communication can make all the difference.📢 As Kuhr Group LLC | Crisis Management enters its third year of a Crisis Communications consulting engagement with a Fortune 100 global energy corporation, we thought we would share some best practices that apply to the public and private sector: 🔹 Timely Updates: Provide early, real-time information to keep the public, stakeholders, and media informed. This is critical in controlling misinformation and controlling panic. 🔹 Empathy: It is essential that leaders address the emotional aspect of a crisis and acknowledge the concerns of affected communities and individuals. This is critical in building trust. 🔹 Transparency: Sharing what is known, what is unknown, and what is being done about the situation fosters credibility and trust. 🔹Jargon: Use plain language, avoiding corporate jargon to ensure message comprehension. 🔹 Accurate and Consistent Messaging: Ensure that communications are credible and consistent across all media and social media channels and platforms to ensure that all messaging is uniform and seen as reliable. 🔹 Simple, Actionable Information: Breaking down complex information into an Easy-to-Understand Call to Acton helps people understand their role in the crisis and how to respond effectively. Effective crisis communication saves lives and supports an effective response and recovery. 💪 #CrisisCommunication #CrisisManagement #EmergencyManagement #Risk #Resilience

3 things your team needs to hear in a crisis: When uncertainty hits, don’t wait until you have all the facts to speak up. Instead, communicate early and hit these 3 points: 1. "Here’s what’s happening." Be honest. Even if the message is “we’re still figuring it out,” it builds trust. 2. "Here’s what we’re doing about it." Share the actions being taken, the principles guiding decisions, and what comes next. 3. "Here’s what we need from you." Give people purpose. Invite them into the process. Show them their role in the path forward. This simple framework provides what your team needs most: Clarity. Consistency. Connection. Don’t overthink it. Say what you know. Say what you’re doing. Say what you need. That’s great leadership in uncertain times. For more, check out my latest YouTube video (link in the comments)