FEATURE
A leadership team faces challenges of all shapes and sizes . What ’ s important is how leaders handle the challenges . When COVID-19 started , leaders had to step up to the mark and deal with the unknown in the best way they knew how . So , what can leaders do to prepare for a crisis ? James Burstall , Founder and CEO , Argonon , one of the UK ’ s largest international independent TV production groups , explains how keeping the communication lines open during a crisis is one of the most important things a leader can do .
Deloitte ’ s 2023 Corporate Affairs report found that since the pandemic , corporate affairs has been ‘ tested to navigate a perfect storm of crises ’. I think many business leaders gained a new appreciation for our communications teams during the COVID pandemic , and going forward good external and internal comms will remain an essential tool for steering your company through crises . And let ’ s face it , they are coming at us so thick and fast .
During any crisis , a business leader is going to need to step up their communication when their stakeholders have a heightened need for good , honest communication that gives them information and guidance . They can also help their team adjust and cope emotionally by putting their experience into context , giving it some kind of meaning . As a leader , that ’ s a huge weight of expectation on your shoulders . Crises put executives under intense public scrutiny as companies are judged for the care , authenticity and the sense of purpose they demonstrate .
For over a decade at Argonon , we have relied on crisis management principles we call The Flexible Method . First developed during another existential crisis , the 2008 Credit Crunch , it has allowed our company to evolve and thrive . Not despite these global crises but because of them . Communication plays a crucial role .
CRISIS LOOMING ? DOUBLE DOWN ON OPENING COMMUNICATION LINES
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