Cry Not, But Communicate in Crisis

Covid-19 has disrupted most businesses and is categorised as an unprecedented crisis. Corporate Communication is a crucial department and is tested the most during a crisis. It impacts employee productivity, innovation, brand awareness and many other things. Particularly in a digitally connected world, corporate communication is one of the key factors that determine whether companies thrive or fail.

World Trade Center and Indian Women Network (IWN) of CII jointly organised a webinar where Ms. Anindita Mookerjee, Head of Corporate Communications, L&T Metro Rail, Hyderabad spoke on the need for effective communication. Through case studies she shared her thoughts on how best companies should keep their communication lines open during uncertain times.

During her talk, Ms. Sinha emphasised on the need for a leadership oriented strategy while reaching out to employees, vendors and clients. She said it would be better to appoint one particular person and train him/her to be prepared. At the same time, effective communication skills should be taughts at all grades in a company. Communication does not mean reacting to anything and everything. While it is important to understand what to speak, it is even more important to realise what not to speak. Crisis must be seen as an opportunity to unite which will take companies see through troubled times. Miscommunication will always trigger chaos and this should be avoided. 80% companies focus only on external stakeholders and this could sideline their internal (employees) resources. This needs to be avoided and sufficient attention should be given to them.

Dr. Bose Nair, Vice President, WTC and Ms. Swathi Kanthana, Chair-IWN Telangana spoke. The session was attended by Marketing Communication and PR Professionals from various part of India.