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# Institute for Crisis Management: Founded in 1990, The Institute for Crisis Management® (ICM) was one of the first crisis management consulting firms in North America.  Unlike other general communication and PR consulting firms, issues and crisis management and communication is our specialty.  ICM offers a variety of products and services designed to help your organization’s executives to lead effectively before, during and after a crisis.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://crisisconsultant.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [<strong>Zuckerberg and Musk: How to—and Not to– Deliver Bad News</strong>](https://crisisconsultant.com/zuckerberg-and-musk-how-to-and-not-to-deliver-bad-news/): Much has already been written about how Elon Musk, Twitter’s new owner and CEO, and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook parent Meta, each conducted recent layoffs.  The way each approached sharing the news offers lessons on how to deliver—and not deliver—bad news to employees. I am also reminded of one of my own experiences with this tough task. Some pointers:
- [Time to Dust Off the Pandemic Plan](https://crisisconsultant.com/time-to-dust-off-the-pandemic-plan/): Today I read a useful article on pandemic planning by Lisa M. Koonin in the Journal of Business Continuity and Emergency Planning. The article outlines practical steps that organizations should take now to prepare for a pandemic.  I thought a summary might be useful for my colleagues.
- [Crisis Communications Planning: COVID-19 and Organizational Preparedness](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-communications-planning-covid-19-and-organizational-preparedness/): Move swiftly to reassure employees, customers and all your important stakeholders of the actions you are taking to minimize the impact, to the best of your ability, of covid-19.
- [The Crisis Exercise Gap Nobody Tests](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-crisis-exercise-gap-nobody-tests/): A recent review by risk and resilience firm Battleground found that crisis exercises keep breaking down in the same four places. The team looked at roughly 40 crisis and business continuity exercises across nearly 20 Australian financial services firms over 18 months. The same problems kept showing up:
- [Deepfake Verification and Escalation Checklist](https://crisisconsultant.com/deepfake-verification-and-escalation-checklist/): In our July newsletter, we shared ideas for building a deepfake detection and response toolkit. This month, we’re adding a simple checklist you can use or adapt.
- [When the Delay Becomes the Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/when-the-delay-becomes-the-crisis/): A data breach is difficult enough. But when stakeholders believe an organization delayed disclosure, minimized the impact, or withheld material information, the communications response can become more damaging than the original intrusion.
- [The Employee Down the Hall Is Already Using AI You Don’t Know About](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-employee-down-the-hall-is-already-using-ai-you-dont-know-about/): A lot of organizations still think unsanctioned AI use is mostly a policy issue. The bigger problem is that it’s already happening, and often at a surprising scale. Multiple 2026 industry surveys put unauthorized AI tool use among employees at 60 to 90 percent, depending on how it’s measured. Most of it isn’t malicious, but it poses risks. Someone pastes a client contract into a free chatbot to summarize it. A developer runs code through an AI assistant to debug faster. A manager uploads pricing data for a quick analysis. No bad intent, and often no real understanding that the data just left the building.
- [Verify Faster, Decide Smarter: Why Crisis Teams Need a Dedicated Platform](https://crisisconsultant.com/verify-faster-decide-smarter-why-crisis-teams-need-a-dedicated-platform/): When a deepfake, rumor, or misleading post starts spreading, scattered emails and texts can make things worse. The team needs one place to capture the claim, check the facts, assess risk, and coordinate the response—without the chaos of ad hoc group chats. That is the gap that modern crisis management software is designed to close.
- [Smoldering Crises: Find the Signals Before They Ignite](https://crisisconsultant.com/smoldering-crises-find-the-signals-before-they-ignite/): Most crises do not start with a headline. They start as small signals: repeat complaints, unresolved employee concerns, management behavior, quality issues, supplier problems, or online chatter. ICM’s Annual Crisis Report for 2025  found that 65% of crisis news items were "smoldering" crises, which shows how unresolved problems can build over time before they become public.
- [Don’t Let Cybercrime Become a Leadership Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/dont-let-cybercrime-become-a-leadership-crisis/): Cybercrime topped ICM’s 2025 Annual Crisis Report, accounting for 25.44% of more than 1.2 million crisis news items tracked. That is a big signal for leaders: organizations need to prepare for cyber incidents as business and reputation events, not just IT problems.
- [When Extreme Weather Tests Your Safety Culture](https://crisisconsultant.com/when-extreme-weather-tests-your-safety-culture/): When Extreme Weather Tests Your Safety Culture
- [Deepfake Detection & Response Toolkit](https://crisisconsultant.com/deepfake-detection-response-toolkit/): Synthetic media is moving quickly, and a basic response plan can keep your team from scrambling when questionable content appears. The toolkit does not need to be complicated; it just needs to help you spot suspicious content, route it to the right people, verify what you can, and communicate clearly while you investigate.
- [MidYear Trust Checkup: Rewiring Your Crisis Plan for a LowTrust World](https://crisisconsultant.com/midyear-checkup-rewiring-your-crisis-plan/): A mid-year “trust checkup” starts with accepting this new baseline. Ask your leadership team: Do our crisis plans assume people will give us the benefit of the doubt, or do they assume we have to earn it in every statement? Are we ready to show—not just say—what we value under pressure, using evidence, data, and credible third parties that can stand up to scrutiny? If the answer is no, the second half of the year is the right time to recalibrate.
- [Deepfakes at Work: Are You Ready?](https://crisisconsultant.com/deepfakes-at-work-are-you-ready/): Deepfakes and synthetic media are no longer fringe concerns—they’re everyday risks. Audio, video, and images can now be fabricated or altered so convincingly that most stakeholders can’t tell the difference in real time. For organizations, that means an angry customer, a disgruntled former employee, or a bad actor could push a false but believable story about your leaders, products, or safety record into the public conversation in minutes.
- [ICM Annual Crisis Report for 2025 Released](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-annual-crisis-report-for-2025-released/): We’re excited to share the ICM Annual Crisis Report 2025, now in its 36th edition. This year’s report looks at 1,232,103 crisis news items—an 8% increase over 2024, though still well below the 2023 high-water mark of nearly two million stories. Smoldering crises continued to dominate at 65% of the items tracked, while cybercrime surged to 25.44%, making it the single largest slice of the global crisis “pie.”
- [Are You Ready for the AI-Edited Crisis?](https://crisisconsultant.com/are-you-ready-for-the-ai-edited-crisis/): AI is no longer just a crisis trigger. It is part of how every crisis is found, framed, and remembered. Stakeholders may encounter your story first through AI-driven search, summaries, and sentiment tools that choose which sources to surface and how to condense them. That means digital readiness now requires being clear and credible to machines as well as people.
- [The Paper Crisis Plan Is Obsolete](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-paper-crisis-plan-is-obsolete/): Technology is moving fast, and your crisis plan has to keep up. If your plan still lives in a binder, it’s probably already out of date. Crisis management platforms can help teams move faster as AI, cyber incidents, and misinformation intensify reputational risk. But technology alone will not make you crisis-ready. Plans, platforms, people, and practice will.
- [Fake Journals, Real Names, and AI “Slop”](https://crisisconsultant.com/fake-journals-real-names-and-ai-slop/): Fake and AI-generated research is spreading through dubious online journals, and a recent NBC News investigation shows how bold the problem has become. One network of sham journals published more than a hundred AI-written papers in just a few months. In some cases, the journals used the names of real professors at leading universities without their knowledge. One New York University professor discovered a paper he never wrote, apparently assembled by AI from his own textbook chapter and published under his name in a counterfeit “international” journal. It is a sharp reminder: academic reputations can be hijacked fast.
- [AI Can Lead to False Arrests, Reputation Crises](https://crisisconsultant.com/ai-can-lead-to-false-arrests-reputation-crises/): AI-driven wrongful arrests aren’t just a policing or civil liberties issue. They can become a reputational crisis in an instant. High-profile executives are especially exposed to AI-driven risks, including misidentification, deepfakes, and arrests based on faulty data or automated systems. For companies, the crisis is bigger than one leader. It becomes a test of whether the organization can respond clearly, calmly, and credibly.
- [Every Organization Needs a Cyber Crisis Plan](https://crisisconsultant.com/every-organization-needs-a-cyber-crisis-plan/): Cyber threats are no longer targeting just large, high-profile organizations. Increasingly, attackers are going after what they see as “low-hanging fruit”—organizations that assumed they weren’t a target.
- [Have You Tested Your Crisis Plan Lately?](https://crisisconsultant.com/have-you-tested-your-crisis-plan-lately/): Crisis simulations don’t need a big budget to be effective. In fact, the most valuable exercises are often the simplest.
- [The Case for Crisis Planning Is No Longer Theoretical](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-case-for-crisis-planning-is-no-longer-theoretical/): For decades, one statistic hasn’t changed: only about half of organizations have any kind of crisis plan. For the rest, let’s be honest—hope is the strategy. And that’s a problem. It is time to make the case for planning and preparedness. 
- [When AI Turns a Social Media Attack Into a Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/when-ai-turns-a-social-media-attack-into-a-crisis/): Social media attacks aren’t new. What is new is the speed, scale, and realism AI brings to them—and many organizations simply aren’t ready.
- [Hurricane Season Starts May 1: Are You Ready?](https://crisisconsultant.com/hurricane-season-starts-may-1-are-you-ready/): For 2026, forecasters expect a near- to slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season in terms of storm count, but they still see a real risk of multiple U.S. impacts, so the smart posture is “plan as if one big one is coming.” Even in socalled average years, one landfalling storm can define the whole season for an organization.
- [How AI Is Weaponized Against Brands](https://crisisconsultant.com/how-ai-is-weaponized-against-brands/): Responding When An AI Attack Hits
- [Changing the Approach to Corporate Social Advocacy for 2026](https://crisisconsultant.com/changing-the-approach-to-corporate-social-advocacy-for-2026/): In today’s polarized environment, decisions about taking a public stand on social issues are no longer about visibility—they’re about long-term trust.
- [When a Hoax Goes Viral: What to Say —and When to Say It](https://crisisconsultant.com/when-a-hoax-goes-viral-what-to-say-and-when-to-say-it/): A disinformation campaign doesn’t behave like a typical crisis. It moves faster. It spreads wider. And it often feeds on your response.
- [ICM Welcomes Scott Toncray, APR to Our Team of Crisis Experts](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-welcomes-scott-toncray-apr-to-our-team-of-crisis-experts/): ICM is pleased to announce that Scott Toncray, APR has joined its team of experts. With more than two decades of experience in strategic communications and crisis advisory, Scott has counseled executives, boards, and leadership teams across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. His background includes strategic communications work with INFINITI Motor Company, Wycliffe USA, and FEMA during Hurricane Katrina. He also served as a national spokesperson for the American Red Cross, supporting disaster response communications during the Baton Rouge Floods and Hurricane Harvey.
- [Phishing Scams Are Getting Smarter: 6 Ways to Protect Yourself](https://crisisconsultant.com/phishing-scams-are-getting-smarter-6-ways-to-protect-yourself/): Over the past several months, cybersecurity researchers and consumer-protection agencies have warned about a surge in sophisticated phishing attacks impersonating trusted brands such as banks, payment platforms, and digital document services. Criminals frequently disguise emails and increasingly, texts as legitimate notifications from companies like PayPal, DocuSign, or major financial institutions in order to insert malware into systems, or to trick people into revealing login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal data. 
- [Bankruptcy as a Business Crisis: Protecting Trust When Finances Falter](https://crisisconsultant.com/bankruptcy-as-a-business-crisis-protecting-trust-when-finances-falter/): When people hear the word bankruptcy, they often think of it as purely a financial event. In reality, bankruptcy is almost always a full-scale business crisis—one that can threaten reputation, stakeholder confidence, and long-term viability.
- [Crisis Governance: When Something Goes Wrong, Who Is Actually in Charge?](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-governance-when-something-goes-wrong-who-is-actually-in-charge/): Without a defined crisis governance structure, a plan and the right tools, organizations often “wing it”. That can lead to slow decisions, conflicting messages, and unnecessary reputational damage.
- [10 Ways AI Will Cause Unprecedented Damage this Year ](https://crisisconsultant.com/10-ways-ai-will-cause-unprecedented-damage-this-year/): I received an alert from our partner Mitch Tanenbaum at Turnkey Cybersecurity & Privacy Solutions, regarding the ways AI will upend things this year. Citing a post byZDNet, he reminds us that artificial intelligence is inherently neither good nor evil, but cautions that it can be used for either. In 2026, artificial intelligence is poised to transform cyber risk from a tactical nuisance into a strategic threat, with experts warning that AI-driven attacks will be faster, more automated, and far harder to detect than previous threat waves. AI’s growing role in both offense and defense means the technology will amplify existing weaknesses and create wholly new vulnerabilities across the corporate landscape. 
- [From Incident to Trust Event: Preventing Small Breakdowns from Becoming Full-Blown Crises](https://crisisconsultant.com/from-incident-to-trust-event-preventing-small-breakdowns-from-becoming-full-blown-crises/): A growing number of recent corporate crises share a common thread: they didn’t start as crises. They began as outages, cyber incidents, or quality issues—then escalated into trust-damaging events when stakeholders lost confidence in how the company responded.
- [Reported Data Breaches Hit an All-Time High at ITRC](https://crisisconsultant.com/reported-data-breaches-hit-an-all-time-high-at-itrc/): In the recently released 2025 Data Breach Report from the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), they tallied an all-time high of 3,322 reported compromises, including 2,928 data breaches and nearly 280 million victim notices sent. Financial services were among the hardest hit, again, with 739 compromises. Professional services sector attacks increased by 162% over 5-year period.  Among the largest incidents by victim notice count: PowerSchool, 72 million notices; AT&T 2021 Data, 44 million notices; Aflac, 22 million notices. I received several such letters last year, and I’ll bet you did, too.  It is important to read these letters and heed the warnings. Keep in mind, too, that even if you have not been a victim, it is only a matter of time. Nearly nine in ten Americans have already been a victim of identity theft. It is important to educate yourself about data breach and take any and all measures to protect your private data. 
- [Taking a Stand on Social Issues: Activism or Advocacy?](https://crisisconsultant.com/taking-a-stand-on-social-issues-activism-or-advocacy/): I recently read a newly published book, Raising Social Capital: Corporate Advocacy and Impact in a Time of Social Change, by Heather Lamarre and Gregg Feistman. It is a timely topic and deeply interesting reading.  As we try to advise executives, and CEOs especially regarding speaking out on divisive social issues, the lessons contained in this book can help you ask the right questions and guide decision processes that are based in mission and values. 
- [Start the New Year Right: Upgrade (or Implement) Crisis Management Software](https://crisisconsultant.com/start-the-new-year-right-upgrade-or-implement-crisis-management-software/):  Automating incident reporting and escalation improves crisis readiness
- [Getting Ready for 2026’s Crisis Trends, Part 2](https://crisisconsultant.com/getting-ready-for-2026s-crisis-trends-part-2/): In the December issue of C3, we covered the first three ideas for your crisis planning and preparedness this year.  Here are three more:
- [AI in ESG Reporting: When “Set-and-Forget” Becomes a Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/ai-in-esg-reporting-when-set-and-forget-becomes-a-crisis/): AI has become an indispensable tool in ESG reporting, especially with new regulations tightening across the U.S., EU, and Asia. Automated dashboards, data-cleaning tools and emissions-tracking systems promise efficiency and accuracy. But here’s the problem: when organizations rely on AI without strong human oversight, they create the perfect conditions for reputational and regulatory crises.
- [2026 Risk Focus: Why Crisis Teams Face a Growing Threat Landscape](https://crisisconsultant.com/2026-risk-focus-why-crisis-teams-face-a-growing-threat-landscape/): As we head into 2026, one thing is abundantly clear: the risk landscape is getting more crowded, more volatile, and far more interconnected than many organizations may realize. According to ASIS International, trends that once felt improbable, such as geopolitical tensions, cybercrime, AI-driven misinformation, extreme weather and polarized social dynamics are now colliding in ways that create compound or “poly” crises rather than isolated incidents.
- [Get Your Crisis Management Tech Aligned in 2026](https://crisisconsultant.com/get-your-crisis-management-tech-aligned-in-2026/): Ready to make your crisis management efforts smoother and more effective next year? Here are some practical ideas to help your team stay prepared:
- [Getting Ready for 2026’s Crisis Trends: Part 1](https://crisisconsultant.com/getting-ready-for-2026s-crisis-trends-part-1/): Looking ahead to 2026, it’s not just the number of threats that’s changing, it’s how fast and unpredictable they are. Traditional crisis plans were built for clear-cut incidents, but today’s world is full of uncertainty and overlapping challenges (the polycrisis).
- [Holiday Cautions for Busy People and Stretched Organizations](https://crisisconsultant.com/holiday-cautions-for-busy-people-and-stretched-organizations/): The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a time to stay alert. Remember the big Black Friday breach at Target back in 2013? Fast-forward to today, and cyber threats are just one of many things we all need to keep an eye on.
- [Evolving Crisis Threats Impact Crisis Planning and Preparedness Needs](https://crisisconsultant.com/evolving-crisis-threats-impact-crisis-planning-and-preparedness-needs/): Crisis planning and preparedness imperatives are quickly changing amid threats that can move faster than our ability to identify and manage them. In its 2026 Threat Outlook Report, emergency communications provider AlertMedia cites five areas of cringe-worthy threats.
- [Predictive analytics tools help identify issues and alert crisis teams](https://crisisconsultant.com/predictive-analytics-tools-help-identify-issues-and-alert-crisis-teams/): Though we all are still in a steep learning curve with AI tools and they are evolving quickly, there are numerous crisis response benefits when they are used responsibly. 
- [Holiday Safety Tips to Help Prevent Tragedy](https://crisisconsultant.com/holiday-safety-tips-to-help-prevent-tragedy/): As the holiday season approaches, you may face unique workplace safety challenges. Here are a few tips to help keep your workplace safe:
- [Crisis Planning Is No Longer Optional](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-planning-is-no-longer-optional/): The prolonged government shutdown also is causing disruption and crises for people and organizations across the U.S. These unlikely but highly impactful crises remind us of the importance of crisis planning and preparedness, for yourself, your family, your organization, and your stakeholders. Crisis planning is no longer optional. Every organization needs to be ready for the inevitable. It will happen.
- [Crisis Response Lessons from Recent Natural Disasters](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-lessons-from-recent-natural-disasters/): Being ready for a crisis means learning from recent events. Let’s look at two recent storms, Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and Typhoon Kalmaegi in the Pacific, and take a look at what we can learn about effective response.
- [Worth Repeating: Investing in Crisis Management Software](https://crisisconsultant.com/worth-repeating-investing-in-crisis-management-software/):  Automating incident reporting and escalation improves crisis readiness
- [You Need More than a Continuity Plan to Prepare for Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/you-need-more-than-a-continuity-plan-to-prepare-for-crisis/): “My company has a business continuity plan. Why do I need a crisis communication plan, too?”
- [ICM Announces 2026 Certification Course Schedule](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-announces-2026-certification-course-schedule/): ICM’s 2026 Crisis Communication Certification Course schedule is out! The program is entering its 36th year as our most requested class. This intensive 12-hour course is a master class in crisis management and communication.
- [5 Steps to Assure Your Risk Management Plan is Crisis-Ready](https://crisisconsultant.com/5-steps-to-assure-your-risk-management-plan-is-crisis-ready/): The investment in enterprise risk management and crisis planning is the proverbial ounce of prevention that can shield organizations from the ton of cure that awaits the unprepared. Don’t let your organization be one of those that, by failing to plan for the inevitable, puts its very future in jeopardy.
- [Popular AI Writing Tools](https://crisisconsultant.com/popular-ai-writing-tools/): You may already have experimented with AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini or Co-Pilot. There are numerous tools, both free and paid, that can support your communication work. Here are just a few for you to experiment with:
- [Complete Your Crisis Plan Review to Better Prepare for 2026](https://crisisconsultant.com/complete-your-crisis-plan-review-to-better-prepare-for-2026/): You’ve often heard us say that crisis plans should be reviewed and updated at least annually. As the end of the year draws near, now is the time to complete your review to better prepare for 2026. Here are a few tips to help guide your assessment.
- [School Safety Challenges Growing](https://crisisconsultant.com/school-safety-challenges-growing/): School is back in session and that means a renewed focus on safety and crisis preparedness. K-12 schools face a wider array of challenges than ever before. According to a blog post by Motorola Solutions, schools still face longstanding concerns while new ones arise. 
- [Don’t Trust What the AI Tells You](https://crisisconsultant.com/dont-trust-what-the-ai-tells-you/): One of the key tenets of crisis management is identifying and verifying the facts of the issue at hand before communicating. Use of AI tools is increasingly helpful as we develop strategies and messaging. There are a wide variety of tools available, both free and paid, that can support human centered crisis planning, response and measurement. None are without their pitfalls, though. According to a new book by Karen E. Sutherland, Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication, an important and perhaps not well understood issue is the frequent inaccuracy of AI generated information. According to Sutherland and other experts, AI “hallucinates”; in other words, it fabricates information. The fabrications can be very convincing and presented in a well-written style that can be hard to identify as false.
- [The Double-Edged Sword that is AI](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-double-edged-sword-that-is-ai/): In an age of instantaneous communication, artificial intelligence (AI) poses new and profound dangers during a crisis. Generative AI tools can create hyper-realistic fake content, such as photos, videos, voice clips, and statements that can go viral before facts are verified. In a high-stakes crisis, even a single piece of AI-generated misinformation can ignite public outrage, mislead stakeholders, or fuel conspiracy theories, complicating response efforts and compromising trust.
- [4 Steps to Crisis Readiness ](https://crisisconsultant.com/4-steps-to-crisis-readiness/): The best managed crisis is the one you never hear about. Our research has demonstrated that the majority of organizational crisis are both predictable and preventable. Here are some tips to help you plan for and better prepare to stay out of the news.
- [Coldplay Kiss Cam Aftermath: Brilliant Marketing or Poor Crisis Management? Both. ](https://crisisconsultant.com/coldplay-kiss-cam-aftermath-brilliant-marketing-or-poor-crisis-management-both/): Most of us have seen or at least heard about the recent Coldplay Kiss Cam incident.  After significant online-fallout-resulting resignations of the CEO and head of HR, the company’s decision to release a short video featuring actor (and Coldplay front man Chris Martin’s ex-wife) Gwyneth Paltrow as a cheeky temporary spokesperson is considered by some to be a savvy marketing maneuver —leveraging the Coldplay connection and viral memes to redirect attention to their data-automation offerings.  And yes, it succeeded in generating massive visibility and positive brand sentiment. 
- [Tools + Tech Deliver Today’s Crisis Management Solutions](https://crisisconsultant.com/tools-tech-deliver-todays-crisis-management-solutions/): ICM continues to grow its groundbreaking partnership with RockDove Solutions, creators of the award-winning In Case of Crisis platform, to deliver comprehensive, actionable crisis management and communication solutions. Our collaboration combines ICM’s deep expertise in crisis vulnerability assessment, planning and training with RockDove’s cutting-edge digital platform, providing clients with a seamless end-to-end approach to crisis preparedness and response.
- [The Importance of Heeding Severe Weather Alerts](https://crisisconsultant.com/the-importance-of-heeding-severe-weather-alerts/): In our May issue of C3, we emphasized the essentials of severe weather readiness, like packing a go-bag. The past few weeks have delivered a sobering reminder: severe weather can strike anywhere, and no one is immune. Recent disasters have shown that even the most prepared communities can be caught off guard—and, crucially, that relying solely on government agencies for warnings or protection is not enough.
- [Smoldering Crises: Predictable and Preventable](https://crisisconsultant.com/smoldering-crises-predictable-and-preventable/): Smoldering crises continue to be the dominant challenge for organizations, according to the 2024 ICM Annual Crisis Report. This year, these slow-burning issues accounted for a striking 75% of all crisis stories tracked—a trend that has held steady for years, with the exception of the COVID period (2020-2023). Of the 16 crisis categories monitored, smoldering crises include class actions, discrimination, executive dismissals, labor disputes, mismanagement, sexual harassment, whistleblowing, and white-collar crime. A clear pattern emerges: many of these crises are rooted in what can be described as “employees behaving badly.”
- [ICM Releases 35th Annual Crisis Report](https://crisisconsultant.com/d35th-annual-crisis-report/): The 2024 ICM Annual Crisis Report is a compilation of news, trends and highlights of business crises, offering business leaders valuable insight into the impact crises can have on the organization and its stakeholders.  According to the report, news items about mismanagement reclaimed the top spot at 21.5%, followed by class actions at 17.9%, cybercrime at 13.3% and discrimination at 11.6%. At the bottom of the list were mass casualty accidents (0.48%), human-caused environmental damage ( 0.21%), executive dismissals (1.07%), and hostile takeovers (1.01%).
- [Deborah Hileman Named CSCE Fellow ](https://crisisconsultant.com/deborah-hileman-named-csce-fellow-2/): The Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) has named Deborah Hileman SCMP, GCSCE, CCMC a CSCE Fellow – the highest honour awarded by the CSCE. The Fellowship recognises her enduring impact on the global communication profession, her leadership in crisis and risk communication, and her unwavering commitment to mentoring and ethical practice.
- [Crisis in the Age of Chaos: Speed, Transparency and Trust Matter More Than Ever](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-in-the-age-of-chaos-speed-transparency-and-trust-matter-more-than-ever/): In an increasingly volatile global market, organizations of all kinds are navigating complex crisis issues shaped by rapid media fragmentation, misinformation and heightened stakeholder expectations. The first five months of 2025 have underscored how quickly reputational threats can escalate and how difficult it has become to maintain control of company narratives.
- [Crisis Risk Checklist: Top 5 Threats Every Organization Should Monitor](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-risk-checklist-top-5-threats-every-organization-should-monitor/): Proactive risk management and crisis preparedness is essential for protecting both reputation and business operations. Consider these crisis threats your organization should be monitoring and use this checklist to assess your organization’s preparedness, guide crisis simulations and inform board-level risk reviews. Staying ahead of these threats is key to building resilience and protecting your organization’s reputation.
- [Change Management Initiatives Can Create a Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/change-management-initiatives-can-create-a-crisis/): Significant change management initiatives often follow major crisis. Poorly executed or communicated, they can create the crisis. A large change management initiative can trigger a reputational or brand crisis in several ways:
- [RockDove Solutions and Institute for Crisis Management Forge One-of-a-Kind Partnership to Deliver a Comprehensive Crisis Preparedness and Response Solution](https://crisisconsultant.com/rockdove-solutions-and-institute-for-crisis-management-forge-one-of-a-kind-partnership-to-deliver-a-comprehensive-crisis-preparedness-and-response-solution/): RockDove Solutions, developer of the In Case of Crisis threat and crisis management platform, has formed a strategic partnership with the Institute for Crisis Management (ICM), a firm specializing in crisis planning, training, and consulting. This first-of-its-kind collaboration combines ICM's deep expertise in plan development and vulnerability assessments with the automation and workflow capabilities of In Case of Crisis to help organizations better prepare for and respond to emerging threats.
- [Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Crisis Exercise](https://crisisconsultant.com/step-by-step-guide-to-running-a-crisis-exercise/): If your company is like most, you have not done any crisis exercises recently.  Start with the end in mind.  If the company has never done any kind of crisis exercises, don’t start with a full-scale simulation drill.  Tabletop exercises are an economical place to begin engaging crisis teams and are effective for validating plans, procedures and policies.  They can help build teamwork and facilitate in-depth problem solving and discussion. Tabletops also can be conducted remotely to accommodate off-site team members or simulate the absence of key players.
- [Pack Your Go-Bag: Severe Weather Readiness](https://crisisconsultant.com/pack-your-go-bag-severe-weather-readiness/): Weather disasters can happen anywhere, so take some time to prepare a “go-bag” with the essentials you will need in the event you must evacuate. Here are five tips:
- [What is a Grey Rhino and Why Should I Care?](https://crisisconsultant.com/what-is-a-grey-rhino-and-why-should-i-care/): In fact, two animal names are used to define these unlikely but catastrophic events:  the ‘black swan’ is a highly unlikely event that is truly unforeseen, and a ‘grey rhino,’ a smoldering issue that is highly unlikely, but knowable and often dismissed by management. The term ‘grey rhino’ is used to identify a risk that is both visible and headed your direction. 
- [Business Crisis Early Warning System: Build a Culture that Empowers Employees to Speak Up ](https://crisisconsultant.com/business-crisis-early-warning-system/): A business crisis can be a short-term disruption, or it can spell the end of a company.  The majority of crises are predictable and preventable. Leaders have a responsibility to manage issues and prevent them from becoming a serious threat to the organization.  Cultural norms play a fundamental role in predicting, identifying and resolving issues before they become threats.  As important members of the crisis management team, communicators can and should lead by example and work with executive leadership to build the cultural dynamics needed to support an effective crisis early warning system.
- [Ethical AI in Crisis Communications: Keeping Trust in the Age of Automation](https://crisisconsultant.com/ethical-ai-in-crisis-communications-keeping-trust-in-the-age-of-automation/): As crises now unfold at lightning speed online, corporate communications teams are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help monitor events, respond quickly, and protect reputations. But while AI tools are becoming more common and their usage is increasing rapidly, many people still don’t trust decisions made by machines. Consider the ways that your team can use AI responsibly during emergencies, combining fast technology with essential human judgment.
- [Why Don’t We Have a Crisis Plan? Because Prevention Isn’t Sexy.](https://crisisconsultant.com/why-dont-we-have-a-crisis-plan-because-prevention-isnt-sexy/): As a crisis management consultant, I have seen countless examples of organizations that either don’t have a crisis plan, or fail to effectively implement the one they have. Numerous studies confirm that only about half of organizations have any kind of crisis plan. So, what’s the excuse for the other half?
- [Managing Risk and Crisis Amidst Growing Uncertainty](https://crisisconsultant.com/managing-risk-and-crisis-amidst-growing-uncertainty/): In today’s hyperconnected and fast-evolving world, organizations face a growing array of threats that are more dynamic, complex, and intertwined than ever before. From cyberattacks and AI-driven scams to supply chain disruptions and ESG pressures, the modern risk landscape demands more than traditional risk management tactics. As businesses grapple with these emerging challenges, the need for an integrated, forward-looking approach to risk and crisis preparedness has never been more critical.
- [Disaster / Emergency Communications Prep Must Happen Year-Round](https://crisisconsultant.com/disaster-emergency-communications-prep-must-happen-year-round-2025/): One of the best resources we have found for emergency managers and communicators is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, which reports that 40 percent of businesses do not reopen following a disaster.  PR pros should update crisis communications plans to assure that weather and natural disaster events are considered more likely to occur, even in unlikely regions and at unexpected times of year.  For organizations that do not have a disaster communications or operations plan, there are numerous free resources available online to help professionals in communications, business continuity, emergency planning and operations.
- [Investing in Crisis Management Software](https://crisisconsultant.com/investing-in-crisis-management-software/): Investing in Crisis Management Software: Automating incident reporting and escalation improves crisis readiness
- [Dealing with the Elephant in the Room: The Smoldering Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/dealing-with-the-elephant-in-the-room-the-smoldering-crisis/): Dealing with the Elephant in the Room: The Smoldering Crisis
- [Banking Boo Boos:  Are Citigroup’s Blunders Worse than its Rivals?](https://crisisconsultant.com/banking-boo-boos-are-citigroups-blunders-worse-than-its-rivals/): A quick peek into ICM’s past annual crisis reports is telling:  the banking industry is perpetually among the most crisis ridden, across the board.  Wells Fargo can attest to that, as they are still dealing with the fallout that began in 2016 with its fake account scandal. By way of background, on September 8, 2016, federal regulators revealed that Wells Fargo employees had secretly created millions of unauthorized bank and credit card accounts without their customers' knowledge or consent. This revelation led ultimately to billions of dollars in fines, settlements and legal costs for the bank and marked the beginning of a series of investigations, legal actions, and reforms that would continue for years afterward. It also cost more than a few people their jobs.
- [ICS+tech: Combine NIMS with Software for Better Crisis Management](https://crisisconsultant.com/icstech-combine-nims-with-software-for-better-crisis-management/): The National Incident Management System (NIMS), developed by FEMA, provides a comprehensive incident response framework, or incident command system (ICS) that can be adapted for use in corporate settings. The framework is even more effective when paired with a crisis management software platform.  Let’s call it “ICS+tech.” The combination of an ICS infrastructure with technology offers many benefits to the crisis management team:
- [Build Resilience to Create a Crisis-Resistant and Crisis-Ready Organization](https://crisisconsultant.com/build-resilience-to-create-a-crisis-resistant-and-crisis-ready-organization/): In today’s volatile business, social and political environments, let’s face it— crises are not a matter of if, but when. The key to thriving in uncertainty lies in building organizational resilience —a proactive approach to preventing crises and mitigating their impact when they occur. Here’s how to get started:
- [Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Communicating Effectively When Funding Dries up](https://crisisconsultant.com/navigating-financial-uncertainty/): Financial uncertainty is all too real today with a new administration in Washington D.C. Preparation is critical to prevent panic and prepare for a variety of possible outcomes. When faced with the prospect of significant funding cuts, organizations must prioritize clear, honest, and strategic communication with their stakeholders. Consider the following approach to effectively manage communication in this challenging situation:
- [Cyber crisis exercises essential to cross-functional team communication, preparedness and overall effectiveness](https://crisisconsultant.com/cyber-crisis-exercises/): Now more than ever, organizations must conduct a variety of crisis exercises to sharpen skills and prepare for the inevitable.  Critical cyber crisis exercises play a crucial role in improving crisis preparedness and team effectiveness. Here are several ways these exercises enhance inter-team communication and collaboration:
- [ICM Team of Crisis Consultants](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-team-of-crisis-consultants/): We are excited to announce that ICM has added three new senior consultants to our team of deeply experienced professionals!  Please welcome Jenny Barker, APR, Dianne Chase and Byron Johnson to the ICM team of crisis consultants: 
- [You Can’t Prepare if You’re Unaware: Threat Detection Key to Crisis Preparedness](https://crisisconsultant.com/key-to-crisis-preparedness/): In today’s volatile world, management teams who fail to prepare for a variety of events put their organizations at risk.  It goes without saying that you cannot prepare for a crisis if you don’t know what threats are out there. ICM’s strategic partner, RockDove Solutions, has a world-class platform that offers best-in-class threat detection capabilities. The In Case of Crisis 365 (ICOC365) threat detection capability operates through a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that focuses on:
- [Crisis Preparedness 2025: Strategies for an Unpredictable Year](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-preparedness-2025-strategies-for-an-unpredictable-year/): As the new year unfolds, the world of crisis management is more complex than ever. A new administration in the US, rapid advancements in AI, escalating extreme weather events and the resurgence of health threats like bird flu are reshaping the risk landscape. Coupled with a shifting media environment and the continuing decline of legacy media, these factors demand a proactive, adaptable approach to crisis preparation.
- [Preparing for a Surge in Misinformation: Communicators’ Guide to Crisis Management in the Wake of Meta’s Moderation Announcement](https://crisisconsultant.com/preparing-for-a-surge-in-misinformation/): In today’s interconnected world, crises no longer unfold in isolation. Meta’s recent announcement about evolving platform policies serves as a critical reminder that social media can amplify both truth and misinformation at unprecedented speeds. For communicators, this raises a pivotal question: Are you prepared to combat a surge in misinformation during your next crisis?
- [Maintaining Corporate Integrity When Communicating in Crisis ](https://crisisconsultant.com/maintaining-corporate-integrity-when-communicating-in-crisis/): In the heat of a crisis, trust is your organization’s most valuable asset. Embracing these concepts will help protect reputation and cement trust when it is most needed.
- [Navigating Social Media Challenges During the Holidays](https://crisisconsultant.com/navigating-social-media-challenges-during-the-holidays/): The holiday season is a double-edged sword for organizations on social media. While it offers opportunities to engage with audiences and boost revenue, it also comes with heightened risks. Increased online activity, consumer expectations and the potential for missteps make December a critical time for social media managers. Here are the top challenges organizations face during the holidays— and how to address them effectively.
- [Navigating the Challenges of the Holiday Season](https://crisisconsultant.com/navigating-the-challenges-of-the-holiday-season/): The holidays are a time of celebration, but for organizations they also come with unique risks that demand heightened crisis preparedness. From supply chain disruptions to cybersecurity threats and reputational challenges, December presents a perfect storm of vulnerabilities. Here’s how organizations can proactively prepare for potential crises during this critical time.
- [Crisis Leadership: Building Resilience for 2025](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-leadership-building-resilience-for-2025/): In an increasingly unpredictable world, effective crisis leadership is essential for navigating challenges and fostering organizational resilience. As we look toward 2025, leaders must evolve their strategies to prepare for a landscape marked by economic uncertainties, technological disruptions and environmental crises. Here’s how crisis leaders can stay ahead and build a resilient organization.
- [Lessons from 2024: Navigating the New Reality](https://crisisconsultant.com/lessons-from-2024-navigating-the-new-reality/): As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the crises that shaped the year and the lessons they offer for the future. From natural disasters exacerbated by climate change to AI-driven misinformation and high-profile corporate scandals, 2024 underscored the importance of agility, transparency, and empathy in crisis management and communication.
- [Nine Tips for Responding to Negative Online Reviews ](https://crisisconsultant.com/nine-tips-for-responding-to-negative-online-reviews/): Online reviews hold significant power—they can make or break a company’s reputation in the blink of an eye. What took years to build can be undone with single negative customer review left unresolved. Bad reviews can influence potential customers' perceptions and affect your company’s reputation. Here's how to effectively respond to such reviews and support your customers:
- [Can AI Tools Enhance Crisis Communication Strategies?](https://crisisconsultant.com/can-ai-tools-enhance-crisis-communication-strategies/): Can using artificial intelligence (AI) tools significantly enhance crisis communication strategies for public relations professionals?  Yes, in many ways. For example:
- [PR Pros Need Resources and Relationships to Achieve Shared Crisis Response Goals](https://crisisconsultant.com/pr-pros-need-resources-and-relationships-to-achieve-shared-crisis-response-goals/): I have often written and spoken about trust and empathy, optics and self-awareness as they relate to avoidable PR blunders. Notably, it is usually not the PR people committing the PR blunders, but the executives who we expect to know better. 
- [5 Tips for Better Tabletop Crisis Exercises](https://crisisconsultant.com/5-tips-for-better-tabletop-crisis-exercises/): Crisis response and communication plans should be exercised regularly to assure that the content is current, relevant and thorough. The larger and more complex the organization, the more frequently exercises should take place. Exercises need not be expensive or lengthy to stretch team muscle memory. Here are a few tips to make your next exercise an effective one.
- [Hurricane ‘season’ is still delivering a punch. Is your company prepared?](https://crisisconsultant.com/hurricane-season-is-still-delivering-a-punch-is-your-company-prepared/): Hurricane season officially lasts until November 30. A changing climate has already taught us that storm “seasons” can wreak havoc both before and after arbitrary dates on a calendar. 
- [Six Truths of Every Crisis](https://crisisconsultant.com/six-truths-of-every-crisis/): At some point, nearly every organization will experience a crisis. For many, unfortunately, their crisis planning strategy is denial: “that will never happen to our company.” Except that it probably will. Sooner than you think.  When all hell breaks loose, consider these “truths” of a crisis as you wade in to manage your organization’s reputation, brand and communication strategy.
- [2025 Crisis Communications Class Schedule](https://crisisconsultant.com/2025-crisis-communications-class-schedule/): ICM’s  2025 Crisis Communication Certification Course schedule is out!  The original “master class,” this program is entering its 35th year as our most requested class.
- [Paper Crisis Plans are Obsolete](https://crisisconsultant.com/paper-crisis-plans-are-obsolete/): Finally, the paper crisis communications plan has moved into the 21st century.  Today’s fast-moving global enterprises and unprecedented threats of the 24/7 news cycle and social media have made paper-only plans less effective.  The plans and tools still have to be written by humans, though!
- [Answer These 10 Questions](https://crisisconsultant.com/answer-these-10-questions/): There is no shortage of pundits and PR pros offering advice to organizations on how to respond to controversial social issues. And there is no shortage of issues out there in today’s divisive socio-political environment. Company executives ask, do we take a position publicly? If so, do we speak up proactively or only in response to a media call? Or, should we discuss internally with employees only?
- [When ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Are Not Enough: Why it’s Time to Humanize Crisis Statements](https://crisisconsultant.com/when-thoughts-and-prayers-are-not-enough-why-its-time-to-humanize-crisis-statements/): After the Uvalde school shootings, several people said publicly that “thoughts and prayers are not enough.” They were right.  Unfortunately, we are desensitized to these expressions as empathy-and-compassion statements have become commoditized.  As a result, they have lost their power to ease the emotional pain that accompanies crises.
- [<strong>Crisis Prevention Begins Here: Company Culture that Fosters Transparent Communications</strong>](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-prevention-begins-here-company-culture-that-fosters-transparent-communications/): Consider some of the cultural “red flags” that can present roadblocks to identifying issues early and preventing them from becoming a crisis. I’ll offer ideas and tools to build the transparent communications culture that is a key ingredient in crisis prevention.   
- [2023 Schedule: Crisis Communication Management Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/2023-schedule-crisis-communication-management-certification-course/): Happy New Year! Here at ICM, we’ve started the new year with optimism, and are thrilled to share our 2023 Training Schedule. We’re in our 33rd year as a leader in crisis management and communications planning, training and consulting. We continue to attract students and clients from across the globe, in a variety of professions and industries. More and more professionals in risk management, operations, HR and other specialties are joining us in our open-enrollment classes.

## Pages
- [Crisis Management Software](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/crisis-management-software/): Now is the time to ditch the old paper crisis plan and bring your crisis management strategy to life with award-winning crisis and issues management software.
- [Registration Success](https://crisisconsultant.com/registration-success/): Welcome
- [Commitment to Ethical Practices](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/commitment-to-ethical-practices/): ICM CEO Deborah Hileman and all the ICM senior consultants are committed to the ethical practice of the profession.  Our Code of Ethical Practices is modeled on the standards set by two leading professional associations, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Each of our senior consultants commits to the following practices before joining our team and working with ICM clients. 
- [ICM Mission Statement](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/icm-mission-statement/): The Institute for Crisis Management® delivers professional expertise in crisis preparedness and management, mitigation, reputation management and crisis communications. We partner with our clients to deliver planning, training and consulting services rooted in our core values.
- [Cyber Crime](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/cyber-crime/): Are you ready to communicate with stakeholders when a cyber attack happens?
- [Communication Skills for Managers](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/communication-skills-for-managers/): Effective communication is a cornerstone of business success.  Communication skills are considered a “soft skill” yet have proven essential to individual and collective success in business.  Many a corporate initiative has failed due to poor communication.  Communications routinely ranks low in employee satisfaction surveys. Businesses can and must do better.
- [Private In-House Training](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/private-in-house-training/): While there are a variety of public, or open enrollment training programs out there, organizations can benefit from a private training program developed specifically for their business and industry and delivered in-house. Custom in-house training from ICM can be a cost-effective alternative to public programs.
- [Business Continuity Plan](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/business-continuity-plan/): At its most basic, a business continuity plan is a document that comprises critical policies, processes and actions needed to maintain operations during an adverse event such as a natural disaster, cyber-attack, pandemic or other identified risk. The plan may also be known as a business continuity and recovery plan.  
- [Risk Management Plan](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/risk-management-plan/): Risk management is an ongoing business process used by management to identify, analyze, evaluate, and mitigate threats to the organization’s bottom line. The risk management plan goal is to identify potential problems before they occur and take proactive measures to reduce the threat and mitigate its adverse impact on the organization.
- [Terms of Use](https://crisisconsultant.com/terms-of-use/): We are committed to protecting your privacy and security and have explained in detail the steps we take to do so. We urge you to read our Privacy Policy.
- [Home- Institute for Crisis Management-New](https://crisisconsultant.com/home-institute-for-crisis-management-2/): Effective crisis management minimizes damage and may even improve a company’s reputation if leaders communicate with speed, honesty and transparency.  Unlike general consulting and PR firms, reputation, issues and crisis management is our specialty. We go anywhere 24/7 to support our clients, working side-by-side to protect the organization’s brand and reputation, communicate with speed and transparency and mitigate negative outcomes.
- [Strategic Alliances](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/sa/): crazygoodmarketing.net
- [Crisis Media Training Workshop & Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/get-crisis-ready/): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have cancelled the May 12-14 course in Denver.  At this time we expect the August and October programs to be held as scheduled. Meanwhile we are fast-tracking the launch of our online course. Stay tuned for details.
- [Crisis Training](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/): We have trained hundreds of executives across numerous industries and functional areas to communicate more effectively and to lead before, during and after a crisis.
- [Crisis Communication Management Certification (Live-Remote)](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-communication-certification-course-online-old/): The Crisis Communication Certification Course is offered with hands-on instruction by industry expert Deborah Hileman, SCMP and other ICM experts. This course  focuses on managing sudden crises and techniques for preventing smoldering internal business issues from going “public” or minimizing the damage to the organization’s ongoing business when public disclosure cannot be avoided.
- [Workshops & Training Payment Options](https://crisisconsultant.com/workshops-training-payment-options/): 2 -Day In-Person
- [Contact Us](https://crisisconsultant.com/contact-us/): ICM crisis consultants provide our clients with support and assistance 24/7  during a crisis.  Call us today or complete the contact form to provide additional details on your needs.
- [Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-communication-certification-course-online/): The nation’s original master class in crisis communication management: the  ICM Crisis Communication Certification Course.
- [2019 Crisis Report Download](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-annual-crisis-report/2019-crisis-report-download/): Complete the form below to download our in-depth new report on the state of business crises in 2022.
- [About the Institute for Crisis Management](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/): Founded in 1990, The Institute for Crisis Management® (ICM) was one of the first crisis management consulting firms in North America.  Unlike other general communication and PR consulting firms, issues and crisis management and communication is our specialty.  ICM offers a variety of products and services designed to help your organization’s executives to lead effectively before, during and after a crisis.
- [Consulting Contact Us](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-consulting-contact-us/): If you need crisis consulting contact us. ICM consultants are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance in the event of a crisis. Call us today or complete the contact form below to provide additional details on your needs.
- [Crisis Training Contact Us](https://crisisconsultant.com/contact-us-training/): Submit
- [Crisis Planning Contact Us](https://crisisconsultant.com/contact-us-crisis-planning/): Companies that take the crisis planning approach of “we’ll handle it just like last time” are destined to fail. While it’s important to have general strategies and message tactics ready to respond to the most likely events, there is no one-size-fits-all set of talking points or press releases to respond to a crisis.
- [Privacy Policy](https://crisisconsultant.com/privacy-policy/): This privacy policy will advise you about our guidelines concerning the use of your personal information, including, without limitation, the reasonable efforts we make to protect your personal information in accordance with these guidelines, and about what choices you have concerning our use of such information. Please read this policy carefully. We may need to change this policy from time to time in order to address new issues and reflect changes on our Site. We will post those changes here so that you will always know our policies regarding what information we gather, how we might use that information, and whether we will disclose that information to anyone. Please refer back to this policy regularly.
- [Crisis Planning and Prevention](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-planning-and-prevention/): Crisis Planning and Prevention: Assessing Vulnerabilities
- [Media Training](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/media-training/): ICM also can develop and deliver custom general media training for your executives and spokespersons that prepares them for a variety of general interview situations. Case studies and mock interviews focus on your business and industry.
- [Meet the Crisis Experts](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/meet-the-crisis-experts/): We’re seasoned crisis experts and experienced professionals with decades of experience and deep expertise in strategic communications, print and broadcast journalism, risk management, marketing, social media, website development, media relations and public affairs, cyber security, branding, investor communications, change management, crisis and reputation management, training and coaching.  ICM experts are available at a moment’s notice to provide support for virtually any issue.
- [News Room and Speakers Bureau](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/newsroom-speakers-bureau/): ICM’s Expert Consultants are available as subject matter experts and keynote speakers on a variety of topics related to issues, reputation and crisis management, public relations and communications.
- [Crisis Communication Tips and Tools](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-toolbox/crisis-communication-tips-and-tools/): I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam sed consequat nisl, vitae cursus leo. Duis sodales, lectus eu condimentum porttitor, leo felis rhoncus sem, eget commodo risus enim vel lacus. Duis fermentum eleifend eros, ut porta dolor porttitor id. Aenean ultrices sapien semper.
- [Crisis PR](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/crisis-public-relations/): Crisis PR, or crisis public relations, is a sub-specialty employed to protect and defend an individual, company or organization facing a challenge to its brand, reputation and business performance.
- [Post-Crisis Recovery](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/post-crisis-recovery/): The Institute for Crisis Management® experts will walk you through the post-crisis recovery debriefing, document the learnings and prepare a report to assist management in making any needed adjustments to crisis plans.
- [Mainstream and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/media-social-media-monitoring-analysis/): We also offer media and social media monitoring services on an ongoing (non-crisis) basis. For a small monthly or annual fee, we will track relevant media coverage and social sites, then analyze it and provide regular reports to your management team. The reports will both summarize activity and provide recommendations on addressing any emerging trends or issues that may affect your organization’s reputation.
- [On the Ground Support](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/on-the-ground-support/): That’s why you can call on the Institute for Crisis Management® anytime 24/7/365 for ground support.
- [Strategic Counsel](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/strategic-counsel/): Many organizations are not well prepared for the fallout that a crisis can trigger.  ICM can help.
- [Crisis Response and Consulting](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-response-consulting/): ICM’s expert crisis response consultants work with your management team before, during and after the crisis to help protect your organization’s brand, reputation, and financial strength. Even if we have not worked with you for crisis planning and training, we’re here to help 24/7 when you are faced with a crisis that threatens your organization.
- [Custom Training](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/custom-training/): ICM also delivers custom training programs that teach your key team members how to execute on your crisis management and communications plans– whether we developed the plans or you did.
- [Crisis Simulation Exercises](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/crisis-simulation-exercises/): As part of our comprehensive crisis management planning process, we recommend that organizations conduct regular crisis simulation training.
- [Strategy and Message Development](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-planning-and-prevention/strategy-message-development/): While it’s important to have general strategy and message development tactics ready to respond to the most likely events, there is no one-size-fits-all set of talking points or press releases to respond to a crisis. Companies that take the approach of “we’ll handle it just like last time, that worked” are destined to fail.
- [Crisis Communication Plans](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-planning-and-prevention/crisis-communication-plans/): ICM-developed crisis communication plans include strategies for managing broad categories of potential issues to use as a starting point to develop what’s needed to address each unique situation.  Customized worksheets specific to the type of crisis guide management and help the crisis team refine the strategy and develop the most effective talking points and messaging.
- [Vulnerability and Risk Assessment](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-planning-and-prevention/vulnerability-risk-assessment/): Before building your custom crisis communication plan, ICM recommends starting with a vulnerability assessment to identify those areas where your company is at the most risk for trouble. We want to understand the kinds of issues and crises that are the most likely to happen, and those that, while unlikely, can have a devastating impact on the company’s ability to survive.
- [Strategic Alliances](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/strategic-alliances/): ICM maintains strategic alliances with a select group of highly specialized firms to complement our services and provide our clients with affordable, critical expertise they may need.  We’re proud to work with these industry-leading professionals in supporting our clients. Our strategic alliances make us stronger.
- [Annual Crisis Report](https://crisisconsultant.com/icm-annual-crisis-report/): Now in its 36th year, the ICM Annual Crisis Report is a compilation of news, crises analysis and trends, assessment of high-risk industries, and valuable lessons on how crises happen and how to prepare if they do.
- [Crisis Communication Management Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/crisis-training/management-certification/): When a crisis strikes, every minute matters.
- [Crisis Planning Clients](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/crisis-planning-clients/): While most of our clients and former clients require confidentiality, the following list is representative of the companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies that have attended crisis management courses or engaged Institute for Crisis Management® services for crisis planning, training and consulting:
- [Areas of Crisis Expertise](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/areas-of-crisis-expertise/): While no two crises are alike, our crisis expertise and experience– spanning virtually every kind of organizational crisis– is invaluable in helping to effectively manage YOUR issue or crisis.
- [Industry Experience](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/industry-experience/): We’ve provided our industry experience to leaders in organizations of all kinds, ranging from small to medium sized companies to multi-billion-dollar international corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies, religious institutions, colleges and universities and many others.
- [ICM History](https://crisisconsultant.com/about-the-institute-for-crisis-management/icm-history/): Robert Irvine, APR, a veteran public relations leader, made his mark providing crisis consulting in the aftermath of a variety of industrial and environmental accidents, including the Exxon Valdez oil spill.  Mr. Irvine recognized the need for highly specialized skills to help organizations prepare for, prevent and respond to organizational issues and crises.
- [Careers](https://crisisconsultant.com/careers/): Careers ICM Seeks Experienced Crisis Communication Consultants The Institute for Crisis Management® (ICM) is always on the lookout for deeply experienced issues- and crisis-oriented independent Consultants to build our team of accomplished crisis management counselors addressing the acute and long-range brand, reputation, revenue, and financial performance problems faced by its clients. Ideal candidates are those interested in or already building an independent consulting practice in crisis management and communication by partnering with an established leader in business crisis consulting. We’re seeking people with:Ten or more years of senior-level experience leading crisis teams that addressed issues or crises within the industry sector.The desire to build a micro brand and promote yourself and ICM across social media platforms as a national crisis manager for that industry sector.An ability to leverage their professional network to help build a client base.Exceptional written and verbal communication skillsExperience developing and delivering training programs a plus.Want to learn more?  Send a cover letter highlighting your crisis expertise within the desired industry sector along with your resume to info@crisisconsultant.com. Testimonials for Deborah Hileman, SCMP and the Institute for Crisis Management® “Deb Hileman gave an incredibly detailed, data-driven and well-prepared training on crisis communication. Her examples were timely and the information and circumstances presented were well-catered to the individuals participating. Her experience speaks for itself. She has a varied employment history in the areas of crisis communication and hearing about her personal experiences in the field gave it a necessary personal touch. She also broke down what all should be included in a crisis communications plan. I've applied all information to my current position in public relations for higher education. " -Crisis Training and Consulting Client “Deb Hileman gave an incredibly detailed, data-driven and well-prepared training on crisis communication. Her examples were timely and the information and circumstances presented were well-catered to the individuals participating. Her experience speaks for itself. She has a varied employment history in the areas of crisis communication and hearing about her personal experiences in the field gave it a necessary personal touch. She also broke down what all should be included in a crisis communications plan. I've applied all information to my current position in public relations for higher education. " -Crisis Training and Consulting Client “I also participated in her media training and left feeling significantly more prepared for media interviews, press conferences and general planning regarding circumstances of crisis. She broke media interviews down to their most basic forms and we examined every aspect of how to present one's self, from body language to the type of responses recommended in delicate and often-times no-win situations." -Crisis Media Training Workshop Training Participant "I couldn't rate Deb Hileman any higher. It was one of the best trainings I've attended in the area of public relations. Her training was recommended to me by a colleague. I will continue to recommend her training to other colleagues in the areas of public relations, higher education, journalism and others.” -Crisis Communication Course Participant “The Institute for Crisis Management is a wonderful resource for consulting and training. Deb is a patient listener and teacher. The training I received has benefited me and my company and I will definitely have new staff members participate in this training. If an emergency comes up, I am glad to know that I have Deb available to navigate the process. “ -Crisis Communication Training and Consulting Client “The exercises and worksheets were so helpful. This caused me to think critically and apply what was learned in the lectures. The guided exercises were extremely valuable. Helped to put the pieces together and the immediate feedback helped he learning.” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “I enjoyed how the course was filled with real life examples of crisis scenarios and how the communication was handled. These examples along with the case studies and video clips kept the course really interesting and brought it to life. I found the instructor to be engaging and extremely well educated and experienced on the course material. Participation was encouraged throughout and made me feel like a valued member of the course/team. Triggered my strategic thinking. This course will effect how I view the news/media moving forward and allow me to more critically analyze how organizations handle crises. This course will also help me relate to the clients I work with in these roles and perhaps offer some of the lessons I've learned.” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “Really enjoyed the interaction with instructor and the collaboration with other students during group exercises. Provided an effective platform to generate ideas and responses.” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “The group was a wonderful set of professionals with various backgrounds that enriched very well researched trainer's knowledge. It was clear that trainers have vast practical knowledge that they very willingly and interestingly shared with participants. Best crisis comms course I attended. The handouts were amazing, all the expertise from the instructors and fellow students was extremely valuable to me as a newbie in this industry. Deb has crafted a genius program and I can't wait to enroll in the next course when it is announced.” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “I think that this course surprised me. I went into it expecting that it would be entirely lecture based and that I would likely tune out for most of the time as is the case with other virtual/remote courses. All in all, the course was very engaging and well thought out. The information was presented in a logical manner and the discussions within the small group was one of the best parts of the course. Hearing from all different industries and sectors made for a great course!” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “This was a excellent refresher for me. The worksheets and power point will be valuable resources in the future. Interacting with other experts really helped me learn new ideas. I have renewed confidence in the work I do and know I have a good resource with ICM. Thank you!” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant “Enjoyed it enormously, great learning experience. Only complain that it was to short, time flew and left us wanting more.” -Crisis Communication Certification Course participant
- [COVID-19](https://crisisconsultant.com/covid-19/): If you have not already taken steps—both actions and communications—I encourage you to move swiftly to reassure employees, customers and all your important stakeholders of the actions you are taking to minimize the impact, to the best of your ability, of covid-19.
- [Home- Institute for Crisis Management-New](https://crisisconsultant.com/): Effective crisis management minimizes damage and may even improve a company’s reputation if leaders communicate with speed, honesty and transparency.
- [Crisis Communication Blog](https://crisisconsultant.com/blog/)
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## Products
- [Crisis Communication Certification Course | Live-Remote](https://crisisconsultant.com/product/comprehensive-crisis-management-course/): Our schedule for the 2026 Live Remote Crisis Communications Certification Courses Our flagship program since 1990, the ICM Crisis Communications Certification Course has strengthened the skills of hundreds of executives and communications practitioners who are responsible for managing communications during a business crisis. Remaining Class for 2026 Fall: October 12-28, 2026 Classes run from Noon - 2:00 p.m. ET | Location: Live Remote – Zoom Call Are you looking for the In-Person class or Customized Training? Click here. Note: Any discount or promotion codes must be entered in the registration form below.
- [Crisis Communication Certification Course | In-Person](https://crisisconsultant.com/product/crisis-certification-workshop-live/): In-Person Crisis Communications Certification Course! Not Scheduled for 2026. We do offer a custom class version for your company. Our flagship program since 1990, this intensive two-day workshop focuses on managing sudden crises, and techniques for preventing smoldering internal business issues from going “public” or minimizing the damage to the organization’s ongoing business when public disclosure cannot be avoided. Enrollment is limited to provide ample opportunity for group discussion and individual participation in presentations, discussions and hands-on exercises. Note: You may register 1 person per order. If you want to register more than one person per order, email us. Are you looking for the Live Remote online class? Click here.

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- [November 2021 Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=12034)
- [August 2021 Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=12032)
- [May 2021 Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=12029)
- [Feb 2021 Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=11890)
- [Nov 2020 Crisis Communication Certification Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=11610)
- [Live Remote Crisis Communications Course August 2020](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=11349)
- [June 2020 Crisis Communications Course](https://crisisconsultant.com/?p=11058)

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