[CM] Step 1: Establish the Need for CM Planning

Most crises happen without warning; when they do, there is no time for planning and organising, only scrambling to recover. Organisations must be prepared for crisis by developing an effective CM plan for a practical and successful recovery.

The Executive Management's support of the CM planning process is crucial in ensuring that the organisation's operations continue despite a disaster.

Why is CM Important?

Although the Executive Management often moots the need for a CM, the Organization's CM Coordinator must communicate this need to the entire organization because CMP should be considered a significant corporate issue.

The CM plan is a crucial guide to ensure that important issues are not overlooked during a disaster. The entire organisation should be involved during the project management phase as an adequately designed CM plan will guide even inexperienced employees in helping the organisation recover.

In some industries, CM plans are required by law, but a comprehensive, regularly tested CM plan can help any organisation protect itself from litigation for negligence. The very existence of a CM plan could be a defence that the organisation had not neglected its Executive Management's responsibility of preparing for a crisis.

Benefits of Having a CM Plan

Developing a comprehensive crisis management (CM) plan isn't just a box to check; it is an investment in your organisation's future. Here's how a strong CM plan empowers you to weather any storm.

The primary benefits from developing a comprehensive CM plan can be summarised as:

• 360° Awareness. Gain a complete picture of the crisis by considering both internal and external perspectives, including stakeholder concerns.
• Containment & Control. Develop targeted actions to minimize potential damage and effectively manage the situation.
• Rapid Response. Streamline your crisis response with a clear plan for activating the necessary teams and procedures.
• Resilient Organisation. Build a more robust organization that can bounce back from challenges and maintain stability for all stakeholders.
• Staying Compliant. Meet regulatory and ethical requirements related to corporate social responsibility.
• Expert Incident Management. Effectively handle severe incidents before they escalate, minimizing disruption and potential losses.
• Empowered Staff. Equip your team with clear roles and expectations, fostering confidence and a sense of ownership during a crisis.
• Confidence and Morale Boost. A well-defined plan increases organizational confidence and morale, allowing everyone to focus on solutions.
• Proactive Risk Management. Identify and mitigate potential risks before they become crises, ensuring business continuity through proactive planning.
• Reputation Protection. Safeguard your organization's reputation by demonstrating a responsible approach to crisis management. This can even improve public perception after a crisis.
• Reduced Litigation Risk. A well-managed crisis can significantly reduce the risk of post-event lawsuits.
  
  
  

CM Project Management Steps Click to find out more about the detailed requirements for each step
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Goh, M. H. (2016). A Manager’s Guide to Implement Your Crisis Management Plan. Business Continuity Management Specialist Series (1st ed., p. 192). Singapore: GMH Pte Ltd.

 

 

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