The Blessing of a Crisis

Yesterday was incredibly insightful and inspiring with Mr Adesola Adebawo, Communications Manager, Chevron Nigeria Limited. Indeed ‘theory’ met ‘practical’ in a nicely tailored suit #wink. He shared the role of communication in crisis management and how his sojourn in Chevron began with the ‘blessing’ of a crisis. As many wondered how one gets ‘blessed’ with a crisis, he shared on the gas explosion offshore on his first day at job and how it was successfully managed. He further explained, ‘…crisis is defining moment in any career, it can make or break your career, it can make you the go-to guy or flunk you’. Obviously, he became the go-to guy in Chevron.🌝

Crisis communication is a sub-specialty of the public relations that is designed to protect and defend an individual, company or organisation facing a public challenge to its reputation. However, as a media and communications expert, you have one of the most powerful tools to influence people and predispose them to your favour.

Another key point is to know how to engage stakeholders in the crisis. Engagement is the grand-father of resolution of any issue. Communication is the tool for engagement and crisis resolution. There is always an opportunity in every crisis. When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters. One represents danger and the other represents an opportunity. Be mindful of thinking efficiently (this is helped by pre-crisis preparation), acting fast and giving information that is timely and accurate.

There’s so much to say, however, I’ll simply close with this, in any crisis, even while taking hard decisions, when people are concerned you must remember to show that you care otherwise they will lose trust in you and matters may escalate. The first 9-30secs of the crisis must show you listening, caring and empathising.

Many thanks to Mr. Adesola Adebawo the School of Media and Communication, Anthony Okoeguale and the amazing FT9 class for the execution of the career series.