Crisis Communication Training and Awareness

Identity Crisis Communication Training

The training of the Response Organisation/Crisis Management is one of the critical success factors that must be addressed if there is an adequate response received. The development of the compliance program, involvement of all levels of management and establishing preparedness is only part of the overall process. A trained organisation is required to ensure an adequate response.

A "systems" approach to preparing effective training programs should consist of task analysis and lesson development

Provide Mandatory Training of Crisis Communication Team

There are very few training centres that provide formal crisis management training. There are facilities to train Crisis Communication but not purely for crisis management.

It is important to provide simulations to help a Crisis Communication Team recognise a crisis and to take the appropriate actions. These actions include the development of crisis options and strategies, the assessment of the management of time under duress and the considerations of the variations in the decision- making process.

Task Analysis

When designing an integrated training program, the skills, knowledge and procedures required for satisfactory performance of each task should be determined first.

Lesson Development

Learning objectives are defined by the knowledge, procedures and skills, developed during task analysis. Instructional plans are then developed to support the learning objectives.

Instruction

Lessons are systematically presented with the use of appropriate instructional methods. Instruction may include lecture, self-paced or group-paced mediated instruction, simulation, and team training.

Periodic Training Evaluation

Evaluation criteria and performance standards are developed from the learning objectives. Each trainee's performance is evaluated during the course and field performance testing.

Conducting training on managing a crisis will be the best way to ensure that everyone understands his or her roles in the plan. The training will assist in addressing legal issues before they happen, identify systems and equipment needed during a crisis, develop good media relations and develop investigation procedures.

In addition to the formal training program, a program of proficiency demonstration is also required. This can be achieved by setting up a program that supplements the training with exercises and drills. The drill program can differ in degree of complexity.

Information Management

The need to establish and maintain an on-going dynamic Crisis Communication Programme is essential. The crisis management process does not end just because you finished the Crisis Communication Plan; it involves management and training of staff.

Retain the history of all initiatives to facilitate planning requirements. These records serve to document the requirements, commitments, reports and accomplishments relating to different program requirements. The identification of commitments in the areas of emergency preparedness, training, and compliance is vital. The establishment of a defined information management system structure will ensure that documentation will be available when needed.

Executive management needs to be kept well informed. Information is an expensive corporate asset. It must be shared and managed effectively. Also, the management of information is critical during a crisis.

The need for active systems to provide information on personnel, capabilities, processes and materials is crucial. It is extremely important to have a system (and adequate backup systems) in place that serves to identify, catalogue, set priorities and track issues and commitments relating to Crisis Communication and response activities.

Staffing Planning

• Function.
• Qualification/ Skillsets.
• Number of Staff Needed.
• Potential Staff Member (Contact Information).
• Training Needed?
• Training Completed?

Reference

Goh, M. H. (2015). A Manager's Guide to Implementing Your IT Crisis Communication Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series. Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

Extracted from "Crisis Communication Training and Awareness"

More Information About Crisis Communication Blended Learning

To know more about our blended learning program and when the next course is scheduled, feel free to contact our friendly course consultant colleagues via sales.ap@bcm-institute.org.  They are the BL-CC-3 Blended Learning CC-300 Crisis Communication Implementer and the BL-CC-5 Blended Learning CC-5000 Crisis Communication Expert Implementer.