Crisis management is no longer about addressing singular events with straightforward solutions.
The challenges organisations face today are complex, interconnected, and ever-evolving. From natural disasters and cyberattacks to insider threats and geopolitical upheavals, businesses must now adopt a new approach to crisis management—one that is agile, dynamic, and scenario-agnostic.
In this rapidly changing environment, it’s crucial for organisations to be prepared not just to react, but to respond with precision and flexibility. Are you truly ready to navigate the complexities of a modern crisis?
Adopting an Agile and Dynamic Approach
At the heart of effective crisis management is the ability to respond swiftly and decisively, regardless of the crisis’s nature or cause. A scenario-agnostic framework allows organisations to prioritise triaging and assessing events quickly, enabling immediate action and coordination. This flexible approach ensures that crisis teams can adapt strategies on the fly, meeting the unique demands of each situation as it unfolds.
However, in today’s world, a static plan is not enough. Crises often manifest as “polycrises”—a convergence of seemingly unrelated events that create simultaneous impacts. These scenarios can overwhelm an organisation’s capacity to resolve, mitigate, and recover effectively. The ability to adjust response strategies in real-time is critical for any business that aims to build resilience in this polycrisis environment.
Managing a Polycrisis: A Real-World Example
When we were engaged as crisis response advisors for a multinational company during a military coup in one of its key markets, the challenges were immediate and multifaceted. The coup triggered disruptions across the board—supply chains were affected, profits were blocked from repatriation, sanctions regimes shifted, operations were significantly disrupted, and security threats escalated.
Our client had established multiple response teams across Europe, Asia, and the affected country. However, with 40 team members, each with their own priorities, the coordination process became cumbersome and delayed critical decision-making.
By implementing a smaller, more agile crisis management team and ensuring key decision-makers and experts were involved, we drastically improved decision-making efficiency. This approach minimised disruption to the broader business and allowed the company to implement necessary actions swiftly.
Moreover, our scenario-agnostic and agile model prevented the crisis fatigue that often cripples organisations during prolonged situations. The flexible structure kept the crisis team focused and coordinated over the months it took for the situation to unfold.
Prior Preparation: The Cornerstone of Resilience
Adapting your crisis management approach in the heat of the moment is far from ideal. Building a resilient structure before it is called into action is essential for effective crisis management. Here’s how your organisation can prepare:
Build Scenario-Agnostic Crisis Teams: Move away from large, unwieldy teams. Focus on strong competencies, temperament, and leadership skills that can handle a variety of crises.
Develop Agile Crisis Plans: Ditch the lengthy, rigid plans. Your crisis response should be navigable by a nimble team, relying on process and team dynamics rather than overly prescriptive scripts.
Establish an Incident Assessment Team (IAT): A dedicated team for rapid event triaging ensures faster responses in the critical early stages of a crisis.
Regular Testing and Drills: Use micro-simulations and test various levels of your crisis team, building “muscle memory” that allows for a quick and coordinated response.
Create Redundancy: Train delegates as thoroughly as primary crisis managers. Crises don’t wait for convenient times—they often strike when key personnel are unavailable.
Maintain an Agile Mindset: Resist the temptation to rely solely on templates. Each crisis is unique, and a flexible approach is crucial to navigate unexpected developments.
Ready to Build Resilience?
The evolving nature of crisis management demands that organisations invest in their resilience and preparedness. With the right strategies and support, your organisation can turn potential crises into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Are you ready to embrace agility and build a resilient future? Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey in transforming crisis management from a reactive measure to a proactive strategy for success.
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At New World Norm (NWN), we understand the complexities and challenges posed by emerging threats. Our team of global experienced management consultants in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and across the UK are here to help you navigate these risks with confidence. From operational risk management consulting to loss prevention and business continuity solutions, we offer comprehensive services tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your business and personal security from the evolving threat landscape. Let’s work together to ensure a secure and resilient future.
