After the successful session of Jan De Schepper last week we decided to add a few more ‘digital events’ to our 2020-program. The topics will vary as well as the presenters. Today’s session attracted again a lot of partners and members between 11.15 and 12.00! Stephane Lahaye, Director Belux at HPE, focused on ‘Communication in times of crisis’.
And – again – the Corona virus is at the basis of this subject because every company, big and small, has pulled out its business continuity plan from the drawers and cupboards. Question remains: is it still up to date and does is match our current way of working…
A crisis is about challenges and opportunities. We all sing the same song and try to use our common sense ("gezond Boerenverstand" in Dutch) when it comes to setting priorities, finding the balance, and test ‘scenario-thinking’.
According to Stephane communicating in crisis is an exercise developed around 8 comparisons:
- Pro-active <-> reactive: pro-active when you can, reactive when necessary
- Human <-> business: people first
- Emotional <-> rational: take time for the ‘emotional’ side, not only for the rational info
- Physical <-> vitual: meet physically when possible, today there are plenty of virtual alternatives
- Informing <-> privacy: give information but keep out of the privqcy of people
- Local <-> international: keep local what needs to be done locally and bring something at global level when need be
- Varnished <-> authentic: one cannot always reveal info as it is, then you varnish it, but remain as authentic as possible
- Providing info <-> not providing info: balance very well when to communicate and when not to communicate
Crisis communication is under all circumstances about keeping the balance between left and right. Being prepared is crucial otherwise you will loose speed. In other words, it doesn’t do to keep a contactlist and crisis-process in your drawer when the content is not up to date any longer…
Communication is key during a crisis and you’d better communicate too much than not enough.
Corona is an opportunity for companies to
- Try out digital meeting technologies
- Prepare well-being programs for the workforce
- Install ‘Covid-19’-sharepoints
- Organize e-coffee and quiz-sessions
In any case it is clear that the approach of the companies during a crisis will determine which one will make the difference afterwards.
Thank you for this informative session Stephane!
The recording of the session can be found in the "related" tab.
