In his Crisis Guru Commentaries, Jim Lukaszewski provides real answers to real questions about your most critical communications problems and issues.

To submit a question, please direct it by e-mail to crisisguru@e911.com.  Be sure to include your full name, affiliation, address, and telephone number.  All published questions will be identified by title and industry only.  Your confidentiality will be protected.

Question:

Dear Crisis Guru:

I've heard you speak several times through IABC and Web seminars. I have also just finished my M.S. in Communications Management at Syracuse S.I. Newhouse ISD Program.

My question to you: Do you know a good source for a template of a communications plan to prepare for a significant business event, i.e. facility closing?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Sr. Communications Specialist

Answer:

Dear Communications Specialist:

Congratulations. Impressive accomplishment.

Frankly, I've not seen a universally applicable template. When I do these projects, my approach is to have management walk me through the timeline as they currently envision it. It is literally a minute by minute, day by day, sometimes week by week outline or schedule. Having the operational approach systematically in mind makes for better communications advice.

The timeline also helps you forecast the likelihood of and probable times for high-profile events. Management also understands the approach, which can be adjusted to fit actual events or management’s lack of planning or ability to manage events.
The toughest questions are the moral ones related to the timing of announcements, the structure of individual settlements, assistance in finding re-employment for those cashiered, and helping those who remain cope with being a survivor while many of their friends are gone.

Failure to announce early or being sloppy about the effort (not getting it right the first or second time) destroys trust and encourages very good people to leave sooner. The knuckle heads always remain.

Good Luck, and stay in touch.

Jim Lukaszewski