We live in an unpredictable time, and in the business world, things can turn upside down in a hurry and without warning. When a crisis hits, unpreparedness often results in problems ranging from a complete lack of a crisis plan to a failure to adhere to the plan once a crisis occurs. The most effective way to handle a crisis is to have a plan and not only update it, but make a regular practice of putting it into action.

Businesses should explore the various potential crisis situations they can face. Emergencies such as weather-related disasters, violence, fire and cyberattack plans should be charted out and regularly examined; however, business leaders should also be regularly looking out for business-oriented risks in their occupational areas. Vulnerabilities such as a public relations disaster, marketing, operations or IT crashes, or even the sudden death of key individuals can throw companies without a plan in place into full crisis mode.

Preparation trumps panic

It is important that businesses prepare like true emergency responders. Teams should not go into panic, but should be able to smoothly enact the plan. Think of it like a fire station: Firetrucks are constantly serviced and polished, hoses are hooked up, tools and equipment are properly organized and ready to be pulled from the shelf. That way, when the bell rings, they are fully prepared and can quickly move into action at a moment's notice. Business crisis plans should be no different. Every plan should be well-prepared, practiced and each individual should know their role and be ready to perform it at any time.