LOOSE LIPS CAN CREATE HAVOC
(Plan Ahead What You Plan To Say)
- By Joyce Hansen

You have heard the expression “loose lips sink ships.” Havoc can happen if confidential information is leaked. Often communications are not pre-planned. Conversations are often “off the cuff”. Employees may hear gossip from “the street” before you inform them of changes. Rumours need to be dealt with immediately. Even small business owners need a plan in place to deal with communication flaws. A few things to think about before planning for the unexpected are:

What do I do if information is leaked?

    1. Gather essential information first regarding the leak before reacting.
    2. Call a meeting of your key staff and trusted advisors to discuss a strategy plan of how to handle the impact of the leak.
    3. Decide who needs to know what.
    4. Designate a spokesperson to speak to parties who need to know, including the media. Provide the spokesperson and all other people involved with media training. This training will prepare them to field questions as they arise and respond appropriately to what is being printed or talked about.
    5. It is essential that everyone involved be directed to disclose only approved information.      
    6. It is recommended that you involve a PR firm to assist with the media training. They can also handle the media enquiries prior to the company representatives being involved and determine who the best spokesperson is for the situation.
    7. It may be appropriate to issue a press release if a negative spin is occurring. 

Why should quick action be taken?

    1. Rumours may cause key employees to become alarmed and jump ship. 
    2. Customers may question their long-term relationship.
    3. To deflect possible negative press that may be created by the leak.
The future and profits of your company are affected by communication choices. Make the decision to advise the right people, at the right time, with the right message.

 

Copyright Class Act Connections 2008. All rights reserved. Joyce Hansen, President of Class Act Connections assists business owners to prepare, present and promote their company’s products and services and their own unique individual brand. Joyce can be reached at 905-278-0952 or joyceh@classactconnections.com