3 simple steps to prepare for any crisis

What do the COVID-19 global pandemic, a volcanic eruption, the Washington Football Team, and a cybersecurity breach all have in common?  Crisis.

While some may have expected a punchline for the answer, the serious consequences of ineffective crisis preparation, plan execution and plan recovery for people and organizations has real world impact. Yet, time after time, a crisis has resulted in some of the most positive opportunities for change in world and American history. The moment when a crisis becomes an opportunity with positive outcomes, versus a risk with negative consequences, isn’t the product of random luck. True collaboration, effective communication and crisis planning are essential elements for maximizing positive crisis opportunity.

Here are the common elements of a crisis by definition and the keys to maximizing opportunity and minimizing risk before, during, and after a crisis:

First, a definition

A crisis is not always a disaster or an emergency. A crisis is broader than an emergency (an urgent action) or disaster (a calamitous event).