International SOS, the leading global security and health risk management company, has unveiled a comprehensive global guide to help organisations navigate the complexities of modern crises. The paper, Building a Responsive and Effective Crisis Management Programme and accompanying webcast emphasises the importance of moving beyond traditional crisis response to adopt innovative strategies.
Giles Hill, Global Head of Security Services at International SOS, comments:
Crises though inherently disruptive, serve as powerful crucibles for greater resilience and innovation. They expose latent vulnerabilities, sharpen decision making and compel organisations to think about agility - an essential capability in a volatile world. They are a brutally honest appraisal of an organisation's strategy and culture. Leaders and organisations that embrace crisis as a catalyst - not just as a threat - emerge stronger, with more agile systems, clearer priorities and greater competitive advantage, ensuring their organisations not only survive but thrive in the face of adversity.
Using real-world scenarios and events, the paper demonstrates how, through informed, pragmatic, and adaptable crisis management, organisations can sustain operations and flourish, and how visionary leaders can transform their organisations into resilient entities capable of facing even the most unforeseen challenges. Based on International SOS' unique 40 years of experience supporting clients and their employees through crises, the paper provides practical insights into all key aspects of best practice in dealing with today's crises - from pre-crisis planning and post-crisis demobilisation to the critical roles of perception, strategic communication, and innovation.
Gautier Porot, Group Crisis Management Practice Leader at International SOS, emphasised the importance of adoption of best practices across the workforce:
We have seen from recent escalations particularly how imperative it is to have robust crisis management and to encompass all eventualities. This paper is not just a source of information but a real call to action for all organisations, their leaders and each employee. Only by collaborating and preparing actively can crises be turned into opportunities and ensure sustainability and success.
Key Highlights of the White Paper:
- Pre-crisis planning: Identifying systemic risks, organising resources, and training teams to minimise potential impacts. This includes creating ad hoc teams with specific and complementary skills and developing key documents such as crisis management policies, plans, communication strategies, and guides.
- Crisis Response: Mobilising teams, controlling the situation, and resolving issues through rapid decision-making and clear communication. The paper outlines the importance of modular and agile response teams tailored to each crisis's specificities.
- Post-Crisis Demobilisation: Supporting teams, analysing the new ecosystem, and adapting strategies to better cope with future crises. This involves a structured approach to problem-solving, including identifying the desired end state, breaking it down into workstreams, prioritising them, and developing strategic intent and action plans.