Professional Development Short-Course for International Business Leadership


Crisis Management

A crisis is a problem that has escalated because it was not dealt with, or a problem that has not been considered in sufficient detail. Effective managers need to have the knowledge and skills to prepare for a potential crisis, handle a crisis situation when one arises, and be able to devise a strategic plan of action to minimise damage to both tangible assets, such as buildings, and intangible assets, such as the organisation’s reputation.

This short course can be tailored to suit delegates needs, from beginner to expert level, and could, subject to an agreed assessment plan, provide specific credit points for modules within the units of study that make up full-time programmes, should further study be undertaken at a later date.

The following is a list of topics that might be included in an organisation’s international business leadership programme, as delegates develop their knowledge, skills and language proficiency so as to be able to manage effectively in a time of crisis.


Business Communications for crisis management

• Scenario Planning for potential crises.

• Identifying “fracture lines” and heeding warning signals

• Identifying who or what might create a crisis, and how

• Identifying who might be affected by the crisis, and who needs to be involved

• Developing a Communication Plan, both internally and externally - Press Releases, Press Conferences, Holding statements, briefings

• The Spokesperson. Press Officer / Team Leader, Chief Executive / Chairman, technical experts, key opinion leaders

• Rehearsing key messages. Regret & Reassurance

• Handling the issue. Holding / freezing action. Seize the initiative. Announcements e.g. launching an investigation

• Strategy. High profile / low profile.Accept responsibility? Major investigation? Identifying your audience. Decide on your message

• Action. Prepare your plan. Review it constantly. Brief relevant people. Centralise information. Giving information

• Overview. Think long term. Resist combat. Be flexible. Short term loss versus long term gain.



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