complimentary thinklets – third quarter 2023
visual prompts
One of the many reasons a crisis response can go astray is that, fortunately, crisis is not something most organizations do every day.
When crises occur, responders must try and remember their training – if they have even had any – while they work in an unfamiliar setting under unforgiving timetables making decisions based on an initially, incomplete assessment of the situation.
Forward-thinking crisis planning teams realize this and work hard to try and minimize or mitigate challenges where they can.
I try to assist my teams by giving them visual prompts to help them remember the tasks and milestones for which they are accountable.
Back in our 3Q22 thinklet, we discussed checklists and how I embrace complementary “what” and “how” guides. The latter can be a step-by-step primer with pictures, maps, and other aids on how to accomplish what needs to be done.
However, visual prompts need to be larger in scope than just being part of checklists.
Every accountable office should have an easily locatable guide to launching a response.
– How to determine if an event meets crisis criteria.
– Who to notify to get the corporate response started.
– The first few tasks to accomplish as things get underway.
Organizations with money may have crisis response software that is available on laptops, tablets, and PDAs. Others may need to print something, laminate it, and stick it on a wall where it is clearly visible.
(As an aside, I started my career in an era where we handled crises using notepads and large, sticky notes placed on the walls of the command center. It wasn’t pretty, but it worked. And it can still work. So don’t feel defeated if you don’t have a flashy computer program to help you in your response. They are wonderful aids. But I learned long ago that paper doesn’t break.)
In your command center, ensure you have milestone checkpoints built into your crisis software or on wall posters. It is very easy to get sidetracked and someone needs to keep the team focused. These visual prompts will help ensure things don’t get overlooked.
Remember, every successful response is heading toward a predetermined goal.
We have experience working with organizations on tight as well as less restricted budgets. If we can help you get your visual prompts in working order, please contact us.
Be different. Be ready.