[OR] [P3-S2] Develop Communication Strategy in Operational Resilience?

What is Communication Strategy?

A communication strategy is a guide or a plan that helps an organization share information and achieve its communication and business objectives.  In this case, the operational resilience initiative.

Ensuring effective and timely communications of the internal and external communication plans is essential to help the organisation keep customers and other stakeholders informed.

Internal and External Communication

External Communication: Delivering the correct message to the public about the firm’s services is used to protect the organisation’s reputation.

Internal Communication: delivering appropriate communication throughout the organisation will help staff members understand what they need to do in their teams, across teams, and how communications and messages are managed when corresponding with customers and service providers.

Designated Communication Lead for Operational Resilience

Perhaps it is easier to explain what is the communication strategies when it is stated as roles and responsibilities for an appointed OR communication specialist.  Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of the appointed professional responsibility for communication.  These roles include:

• Develop and execute communications strategies to support the organization's operational resilience initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and deliver effective communication plans that ensure clear and consistent messaging to internal and external stakeholders.
• Create compelling content for various communication channels, including email, Intranet, social media, and presentations.
• Develop and deliver training sessions to ensure all staff members understand the importance of operational resilience and their role in maintaining it.
• Stay up-to-date with emerging communication technologies and trends to ensure the organisation's communication strategies are innovative and effective.
• Measure and report on the success of communication strategies and make recommendations for improvement.
  

During a Disruption or Crisis

• Manage the organisation's crisis communications strategy, including developing and implementing incident response plans.
• Provides guidance and support to business units on effective communication practices during business disruptions and crises.

How to Develop a Communication Strategy?

An effective communication strategy is vital for sustaining an operational resilience program.

It ensures stakeholders are informed, engaged, and aligned with the program's objectives. The following steps are involved in developing a communication strategy:

Identify Stakeholders

• Identify the key stakeholders who need to be informed about operational resilience, including employees, senior management, board members, customers, and external partners.

Craft Clear and Consistent Messaging

• Develop clear and concise messages that convey the importance of operational resilience, its benefits, and the role of stakeholders in achieving resilience objectives.
• Ensure consistency in messaging across different communication channels.

Choose Appropriate Communication Channels

• Select the most suitable communication channels to reach different stakeholder groups effectively.
• This may include newsletters, intranet portals, emails, town hall meetings, and dedicated communication platforms.

Establish Regular Communication Mechanisms

• Set up regular communication mechanisms to provide updates on the program's progress, share best practices, and address any concerns or questions from stakeholders.
• These mechanisms foster transparency and maintain engagement.

Seek Feedback and Encourage Dialogue

• Create opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback, ask questions, and share their experiences related to operational resilience.
• Encourage two-way communication to ensure their perspectives are considered and addressed.

Additional Explanatory Note 

"Sustain" Phase of the OR Planning Roadmap

To learn more about the course and schedule, click the buttons below for the OR-3 Blended Learning OR-300 Operational Resilience Implementer course and the OR-5 Blended Learning OR-5000 Operational Resilience Expert Implementer course.