MENU
01
Home
02
Services
03
Sectors
04
Team
05
Our Work
06
Updates
07
Careers
08
Contact
Services
01
Government Relations
02
Communications & Digital
03
Advisory Services
Sectors
01
Energy
02
Environment
03
Health Care
Updates
01
Insights
02
News
EN
FR
HomeServicesSectorsTeamOur WorkUpdates
EN
FR
insights
updates
May 22, 2025

You Don’t Rise to the Occasion, You Fall to Your Plan

written by
Raman Singh
Director, Communications
You Don’t Rise to the Occasion, You Fall to Your Plan

Why crisis readiness is the best leadership investment you haven’t made yet

Corporate liquidations, significant job losses, tariff tensions, and political uncertainty have dominated headlines in recent months. These headlines are stark reminders of an uncomfortable truth: when a crisis hits, you don't get extra time to prepare.

When faced with a crisis, the instinct is to react, to move quickly, to say something, and to fix it. But the best responses don't come from instinct. They come from preparation.

At Sussex, we often remind our clients of this core truth: in a high-pressure moment, you don't magically rise to the challenge, you fall back on whatever plan you already have. If you don't have one, things get a lot harder, fast.

Whether it's a cyberattack, a legal issue, or a reputational threat, most crises move faster than anyone expects. The attention often comes before the response is ready. That's why the most resilient organizations are the ones that have already done the work – mapping stakeholders, drafting holding statements, assigning roles, and running simulations.

Crisis planning isn't about predicting every possible scenario. It's about building the muscle memory to respond with clarity, speed, and control, especially when everything feels chaotic. It's not just about what you say, but how quickly you say it, who says it, and how aligned your team is behind the scenes.

Here's what smart preparation looks like in practice:

  • Decision trees that clarify who owns what decisions and who speaks to it
  • Pre-approved messaging frameworks that balance speed with sensitivity
  • Media and Message training that helps leaders lead even when blindsided
  • Internal protocols that guide staff when emotions run high and information is scarce
  • Active monitoring systems to track emerging risks and public sentiment in real time

We've supported clients across sectors, from long-term care homes facing public scrutiny to pension plans navigating tough realities, energy companies handling service issues, and organizations going through mergers or leadership changes. Every time, the same thing stands out: the ones who had a plan maintained control. Those who didn't were left scrambling.

Crisis is unpredictable. But being unprepared? That's a choice.

If you haven't taken a fresh look at your crisis plan lately, now's the time. Our team is ready to help you build that resilience.

Raman Singh
Director, Communications
rsingh@sussex-strategy.com
view profile
share article
Link copied
‍

RECENT POSTS

PM Carney announces removal of counter-tariffs in latest phase of negotiations with the United States
August 22, 2025

PM Carney announces removal of counter-tariffs in latest phase of negotiations with the United States

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the Government of Canada will be removing a series of counter-tariff measures placed on the United States as the latest step in negotiating a final trade and security deal.

New Federal Housing Consultation Launched
August 12, 2025

New Federal Housing Consultation Launched

Canada Launches Consultation on Build Canada Homes - Opportunity to Shape a Major Federal Housing Initiative

Alberta and Ontario Sign Historic MOU for Energy Development and Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Supply Chains
July 7, 2025

Alberta and Ontario Sign Historic MOU for Energy Development and Cooperation on Critical Minerals and Supply Chains

This morning in Calgary, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a historic collaboration agreement to get Ontario’s critical minerals and Western Canada’s oil and gas to new markets.

view all
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
company
HomeTeamCareersContactTerms & PoliciesAccessibility
explore
ServicesSectorsOur WorkUpdates
follow us
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2020
Land Acknowledgement