Lessons from a Crisis: When You’re in the Eye of the Storm
You don’t know what you don’t know until you’re faced with leading your organization through a crisis. Here are three stories from leaders whose best advice is to expect that, sooner or later, a crisis will come. It’s not if – it’s when.
// By Susan Dubuque //
Health systems rely on their communications teams to keep all stakeholders informed during a crisis and help to bring healing to the community in the aftermath, through empathetic messaging.
Lauren Landwerlin, vice president, strategy, marketing, and communications, Saint Francis Health System
At SHSMD Connections in September, three health system communications leaders shared their experiences following a crisis in their respective communities.
“Sometimes the strength of the people around you is what keeps you strong during hard times,” says Lauren Landwerlin, vice president, strategy, marketing, and communications at Saint Francis Health System in Oklahoma.
Lisa O’Neil, system director of marketing and brand management, Lee Health
Lisa O’Neil, system director of marketing and brand management at Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida notes, “Going through a crisis of this sort forces you to be creative, look for the silver lining, and express gratitude to your team.”
“No one expects a school shooting. You never think something like this can happen,” says Susan Rios, manager of public relations & marketing at Uvalde Memorial Hospital in Texas.
Read on to learn how these communications leaders jumped into action to manage crises of epic proportions in their communities, and how you can prepare.