A key challenge that needs to be met in the face of a serious situation is determining whether we are in a crisis or not? Whence is the transition from non-crisis to crisis? Is it time to initiate the crisis management plan, or not yet?
The US military gives us a good model of crisis with the DEFCON
status. It allows a staged reaction to a crisis that may be impending
or may not be impending. It allows the military to prepare and also not to over-prepare.
As facts become known, and the understanding of the situation becomes more solid, the authorities are able to step up or step down preparations
and mobilisations for handling the crisis.
Business organisations would to well to think about a staged approach to
their crisis management plans.
