Delaware-based professional Darrell Tracy Johnson serves as a crisis manager at Crisis Management International. Possessing over two decades of experience, he has worked with non-profit, corporate, and government clients. Darrell Tracy Johnson helps his clients understand what’s going on and what the future holds in relation to crisis situations. Here are the six stages, or phases, of any crisis:
Warning
While some crises are unpredictable, others are preceded by warning signs. Once these signs are recognized, it is important to communicate their presence in order to increase awareness among those affected by the crisis.
Risk Assessment
As soon as a crisis occurs, a team of decision-makers determines the best way of handling the situation. They acknowledge the crisis, along with its potential consequences, and create strategies for dealing with the potential damage.
Response
When responding to a crisis, the decision-making team puts their plan into action. They inform everyone affected about the situation and explain their role in the response to it.
Management
People capable of addressing the crisis begin working according to the team’s plan. The outcome of the plan is carefully monitored for changes, and communication remains open between the public and the company or individual in crisis.
Resolution
Once everyone involved in crisis management completes their tasks, the crisis situation moves to the resolution phase. By this point, damage has stopped spreading and the event is well-addressed.
Recovery
In the recovery stage, things return to normal. Communication focuses on post-crisis counseling and companies return to pre-crisis operations and policies.
