[MTE] [May 2024 Q&A] Questions Asked and Answered During MTE for Crisis Management Testing and Exercises

Crisis Management Testing and Exercising: A Thought Leader's Perspective

Questions Asked and Answered by Dr Goh Moh Heng Before the Presentation

This is a series of answers to questions posed by the participants attending the Meet-the-Expert webinar on 30 May 2024. 

Given the need to give Norman, the speaker, more time to share his topic, "Crisis Management Testing and Exercising: A Thought Leader's Perspective," I, as the moderator, have taken the liberty of answering as many related questions as possible.

Disasters vs. Crises: Different Beasts

There is a need to clarify the distinction between disasters and crises. While some might view them interchangeably, they require separate approaches.

Disasters are typically large-scale events with pre-defined recovery plans managed through business continuity planning. On the other hand, crises are unexpected situations demanding real-time decision-making and communication strategies.

Exercising for Effectiveness, Not Perfection

Again, it is essential to emphasise that crisis management exercises are about continuous improvement, not achieving a passing grade.  

Traditional testing methods that focus on success or failure can be discouraging for senior management.  Instead, exercises should identify weaknesses, encourage teamwork, and build synergy under pressure.

Cybersecurity Focus: Don't Neglect Other Threats

Dr Goh acknowledges the current emphasis on cyberattacks but warns against neglecting other potential crisis scenarios. Organizations should maintain a balanced approach, ensuring preparedness for various threats.

Exercising vs Testing: Semantics Matter

The simple explanation highlights the importance of using the correct terminology. "Exercising" implies continuous improvement, while "testing" suggests a pass/ fail binary.  

Using "exercising" fosters a more positive and productive environment, especially when working with senior management.

Early Escalation is Key

The importance of swift escalation procedures is highly stressed and revisited.  Incident identification and communication delays can significantly hinder crisis management efforts.  Organizations should establish clear protocols for immediate notification during critical situations.

Crisis Management vs. Business Continuity: Different Playbooks

The answers clarify the distinction between crisis management and business continuity planning.

Business continuity involves a structured, step-by-step approach to recovery. On the other hand, crisis management is more flexible and adaptable, requiring on-the-fly decision-making based on the evolving situation.

Learning from Others' Misfortunes

An interesting perspective is shared: sometimes, a larger-scale crisis affecting another organization can be a blessing in disguise.  Your organisation might gain valuable preparation time by focusing resources on the more significant event.

The Importance of Audience Awareness

The final answer to the questions on awareness emphasizes the need to tailor crisis management exercises to the audience.  Senior management might have limited time and prefer shorter, focused exercises highlighting areas needing improvement.

By understanding the core principles and tailoring approaches to specific audiences and situations, organizations can significantly enhance their preparedness for any crisis.

In the subsequent two postings, we will summarise the speaker's presentation.