Actions to Respond to a Crisis

General Mills cereal company called their lawyers when they were accused of false advertising on their Cheerio’s cereal boxes. Apparently, they claimed it was good for your heart, but lawyers determined it was not scientifically proven.

• Press Conference

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Consider Legality Issues

• Give an Official Response

After one of their major factories was shutdown due to a sudden safety crisis, Puma was still able to meet supply demands. This was due to having produced a surplus of shoes and storing them off-site, incase of an emergency.

• Press Conference

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Issue an Apology

• Give an Official Response

Coca-Cola called all members of the media and press to let the public know that they had stopped production of New Coke and went back to selling the original Coke Classic recipe. This was after sales plummeted due to everyone hating the new taste.

• Press Conference

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Issue an Apology

• Give an Official Response

When a McDonald’s executive blamed parents for their children getting fat, they had to walk back their statement and explain how they didn’t mean to sound so offensive. This address was given by the CEO himself to better mend relations.

• Press Conference

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Issue an Apology

• Give an Official Response

After ENRON executives were accused of embezzling millions of dollars from customers, they had a ‘shredding party’ of all incriminating evidence that could be used against them. It didn’t work. They still all went to prison 😊

• Consider Legality Issues

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Issue an Apology

• Give an Official Response

When an American company bought the famous British chocolate company Cadbury, many people in the UK were worried it would change. Cadbury then issued a letter to the media explaining that nothing was more important to them than maintaining the great tradition and taste Cadbury had to offer.

• Consider Legality Issues

• Damage Control

• Contingency Plan

• Issue an Apology

• Give an Official Response

BONUS: Which action do you think should be done FIRST in a crisis?

• Hold a Press Conference

• Damage Control

• Consider Legality Issues

• Issue an Apology