complimentary thinklets – fourth quarter 2024
important questions
This quarter’s thinklet is short and to the point. Do you have the following issues addressed in writing in your crisis response plan?
Is your crisis response team authorized to …
– Lead the response?
– Independently spend the organization’s funds?
– Temporarily suspend processes (e.g. prescriptive procurement policies) as needed?
– Second employees to the crisis effort at will?
– Make commitments on behalf of the organization?
– Override the recommendations of outside counsel (e.g. lawyers or insurers)?
– Issue external statements on crisis-related matters?
This list is by no means exhaustive. Instead, these are just a few critical examples of the advance work that needs to take place so that you do not hamper your Crisis Director’s, or their team’s, ability to do their work.
The questions above should naturally lead to more questions. Example: Can the crisis team independently spend funds? If yes, to what amount? From which account(s)? Are any expenditures excluded? Is the authorization for a specific period before a different funding mechanism takes effect?
These issues and more should be addressed upfront in the crisis plan so that they provide formal authority for the organization to respond appropriately.
We specialize in helping organizations explore the nuance of crisis preparation and response. If we can assist you, please contact us.
Be different. Be ready.