Crisis & issues communications
In critical situations, a company’s future depends on the right choices. A suitable communication strategy helps protect reputation and strengthen trust in the organisation. We support clients in identifying, assessing, and monitoring risks early – and in conveying the right internal and external messages in a crisis.
Reputational damage through poor communications in crisis situations – violations, product recalls, restructuring measures, insolvencies, compliance incidents or the poor handling of public pressure from trade unions, NGOs or consumer associations – can be sudden and long-lasting. Even though some crises may come as a surprise, organisations can anticipate and analyse risks early on and take adequate precautions. Taking the right preventive measures before a crisis occurs helps minimize reputational damage when disaster strikes.
We support enterprises facing a crisis or another challenging issue with targeted, proactive communications to all stakeholders. Together with our clients, we develop messages that create clarity and reflect the prospects of the business in question. We develop bespoke crisis prevention and communications concepts to preserve the sovereignty of information in mission-critical situations and reduce the risk of stress-related communications errors. Our experienced team of consultants will assist you in crisis prevention and in overcoming a crisis or other challenging situation.
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Biography
Dirk von Manikowsky advises companies and organisations in challenging crisis and change situations, focusing particularly on communications advice in criminal or civil litigation, antitrust or fraud proceedings, compliance issues as well as restructuring. He headed the press and public relations department of private bank Sal. Oppenheim jr. & Cie. until 2011 and served as the group’s press spokesman in Cologne and Luxembourg for six years. Previously, he worked for nine years as an advisor focusing on financial and crisis communications in Cologne and Düsseldorf. Dirk studied communications, political science and English literature.Litigation & compliance communications
Judgements are not only passed by courts of law but also in the court of public opinion – which has its very own rules of engagement. It is, therefore, key for companies involved in legal disputes to communicate deliberately and in a targeted manner — to both internal and external stakeholders during and after litigation. In doing so, they can avoid reputational damage while supporting a company’s legal strategy.
Restructuring and insolvency
World markets are dynamic and economic realities can change more quickly than many realize. Enterprises need to adjust in order to ensure sustainable growth and secure jobs – not only in times of crisis. They must approach different stakeholder groups – employees, clients, investors, creditors, suppliers, the media, unions, works councils, and politicians – in a targeted and adequate manner. This is the prerequisite for a successful reorganization.
Crisis prevention
Companies can no longer afford to neglect crisis prevention today. Crises are exceptional situations that can severely damage the reputation and liquidity of a company. In our globalised, digital age, even local issues can develop into cross-border crises within minutes.
Reputation Risks caused by Cyber Attacks
Besides offering countless opportunities, digitization also entails new risks. The threat of cyber-attacks poses enormous challenges for both the private and public sphere. One in two companies have already been the victim of a hacking attack – with most security gaps unintentionally caused by employees. Given the complexity and the increasing pace of the cyber threats, it is essential that companies be well-prepared on a communications level and build an integrative approach that helps them maintain the trust of stakeholders by responding quickly, confidently and accurately.
Leadership & Change Communications
Mergers and acquisitions, strategic realignment and restructuring, cultural change and digital transformation: Companies are undergoing perpetual change. Many change projects that make perfect economic sense fail, however – because employees simply refuse to support them. Successful change communication plays a vital role in mobilizing employees at all levels of the organisation.