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Crisis strikes and information must flow. How do you balance transparency with confidentiality?

When a crisis hits, it's vital to share information while protecting sensitive details. Here's how to strike that balance:

  • Assess the situation: Identify what information is crucial for stakeholders to know without compromising sensitive data.

  • Set clear guidelines: Outline what can be shared publicly and what must remain confidential.

  • Communicate clearly: Use concise, straightforward messaging to ensure clarity without oversharing.

How do you handle transparency during a crisis?

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Emergency Management

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Crisis strikes and information must flow. How do you balance transparency with confidentiality?

When a crisis hits, it's vital to share information while protecting sensitive details. Here's how to strike that balance:

  • Assess the situation: Identify what information is crucial for stakeholders to know without compromising sensitive data.

  • Set clear guidelines: Outline what can be shared publicly and what must remain confidential.

  • Communicate clearly: Use concise, straightforward messaging to ensure clarity without oversharing.

How do you handle transparency during a crisis?

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3 answers
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    Andrew Altman, PCP, GA-ACEM

    Crisis & Business Continuity Leader | Public Safety & Emergency Management Expert | Board Member | City Councilman

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    Don't wait too long. Once the impact or scope of the emergency is realized, information must flow. In the digital age, the information is already flowing before we even know about the emergency. Begin putting initial knowledge out, followed by a point of contact; follow up regularly and routinely with pertinent updates. This can be done without compromising sensitive information. Set a time for a follow up, briefing, or presser with QA. This cannot be easily done playing catch-up, however. A constant open dialogue with stakeholders providing factual and timely information PRIOR to any emergency is paramount. Be engaging, be compassionate, be truthful.

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