Keys to a successful global crisis communications response
Communicators should bear in mind key cultural differences and adapt their crisis messages accordingly to engage a worldwide workforce. And speakers, watch your speed and diction.
The need for speed is ever present in the midst of a crisis. But when executing crisis communications plans globally, a blanket approach and rushed messaging can do more harm than good.
“The assumption that everyone globally will understand and react to the crisis message the same way results in messages that are overly broad and not specific enough in direction and information for many cultures,” says Dean Foster, founder of DFA Intercultural Global Solutions. “They’re addressed to (and by) the wrong people, [and] are not written or presented in ways that ensure accurate comprehension.”
Understand that your message could get interpreted quite differently depending on the culture.
The keys to success of any crisis response? Speed (within reason), accuracy and authenticity.
Achieving those elements when communicating with a global workforce requires you to consider the following, Foster says:
Make sure the message is going to the right people.
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