What is a crisis?

A crisis can be seen as an unexpected turning point in the usual course of events, a disruption that, although often sudden, is not always unpredictable.
It is characterized by a combination of factors: the urgency that demands a quick response, the uncertainty that clouds decision-making, and the potentially severe impact on the organization or community affected.
It is not so much a series of isolated events, but rather a dynamic sequence where each decision and action can influence the outcome.
Consider, for example, a seemingly minor incident that escalates into a major crisis. A quintessential case is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. Initially, this incident appeared to be just another industrial accident in the oil sector. However, the situation quickly worsened, revealing flaws in safety measures and emergency response strategies. What might have been an isolated incident spiraled into a major environmental and economic crisis, with profound repercussions on the environment, the local economy, and the image of the involved company.
This transition from an incident to a full-blown crisis underscores the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and an organization's ability to respond appropriately. Initial responses, effective communication, and risk management play a crucial role in preventing the escalation of an incident into a crisis. A crisis can emerge unexpectedly or develop from a poorly managed minor incident. Its unpredictable and often complex nature demands strategic preparation and response, as well as an ability to navigate uncertainty while making crucial decisions within tight timeframes.

Crisis Management Global System

We have developed a simple and pragmatic method to develop an effective response framework to any type of crisis: technological, human, industrial, etc.
The first step is obviously an inventory which provides us with all the information on the needs and the existing situation in terms of crisis. At the end of this phase we are able to understand what crisis scenarios we may encounter, what their effects will be on the organization and what arrangements we already have to manage crises. A well-documented risk and impact analysis is an asset for carrying out this step and may prove necessary if it does not exist.
The second stage is devoted to the design of crisis management strategies. In particular, it identifies the fundamental crisis management tools that must be developed: crisis cells, crisis management infrastructure, management and control processes for all phases of the crisis, etc.
In the third step, we move on to building the device. A crisis management and crisis communication plan is designed and all procedures are incorporated into it. Crisis management tools and infrastructure are implemented and tested.
We come to the fourth stage in which we prepare the crisis exercise plans. The planning, scripting and implementation of an organization of exercises is carefully defined.
For this system, we recommend a cyclical approach similar to the PDCA of management systems. This precaution makes it possible to maintain the crisis management system permanently adapted to the challenges of the organization and to the new crisis scenarios that appear.

Key factors:

Training from our catalog

Crisis management is our business.
We have therefore developed a very comprehensive training framework.
Different formulas are suitable for all levels: beginner, professional or expert.
Our comprehensive CMS training courses provide a complete overview of the entire crisis management scope.
We also have specialized modules that focus on a particular subject: how to design a crisis room, crisis simulation, ...

Key factors:

Taylor Made Business Continuity Training

We can create training suitable exactly to your needs.
To do this, you must provide us with all the information concerning your needs so that we build the offer you need.
Please send us a request by email with the following information:

• Last name, first name, function, telephone and email of the applicant
• Company name and address
• Name and description of the desired training
• Training perimeter (for example: management of activity continuity - Definition of strategies)
• Audience experience (beginner/confirmed/expert)
• Duration of training in days
• Place of training
• Logistics needs (room, equipment, meal delivery)
• Language of training (French / English
• Budget and constraints
• Other requests

Coach for Crisis Director

Managing a crisis is not a natural situation.
The first experience can be overwhelming and frustrating.
Even the most brilliant minds can get caught up in the whirlwind of crisis and find themselves in a very restricted state of decision-making and communication.
Knowledge is not sufficient and managing a crisis unit also requires specific interpersonal skills to galvanize resources and boost their resilience.
Our coaching offer covers the two important periods in the life of the Crisis Director.
The so-called normal period is busy transforming the Crisis Director into a professional in managing difficult situations.
We carry out an assessment of the person and put in place a program designed to improve their technical and human qualities.
We program and supervise exercises intended to develop a real crisis decision-maker.
Finally we provide technical knowledge on the latest methods and tools to know for the crisis unit.
The crisis period puts the crisis manager to the test.
Our coach accompanies him on request to support him in the first steps.
Then he modulates his support according to the client's needs.