At Ghidotti, we believe in the power of preparation, and few challenges demand more readiness than a crisis.
That’s why we were honored to host Command the Crisis, a hands-on workshop led by Helio Fred Garcia, crisis leadership expert and president of Logos Consulting Group. Joined by a remarkable group of Arkansas leaders, we explored what it truly means to respond not only swiftly but strategically when reputations are on the line.
And if there was one message that rang clear: effective crisis leadership doesn’t begin in the heat of the moment. It starts long before.
Preparation Is the First Move in Crisis Response
Garcia’s framework stressed that every crisis is first and foremost a business problem, not just a communication challenge. No matter the industry, organizations that move quickly — with clarity, compassion and consistency — gain a competitive edge. Those who don’t risk losing far more than headlines; they risk losing stakeholder trust, internal morale and long-term reputation.
From nuclear incidents to cyber disruptions, Garcia’s real-world examples underscored a universal truth: it’s not what happens that defines a crisis; it’s what you do next.
Trust Is the Goal. Values Are the Anchor.
In every case study and discussion, one central theme emerged: trust is the currency of crisis. It’s built not just on truth, but on timeliness and transparency. According to Garcia, trust is the natural result of promises fulfilled, expectations met and values lived.
A few attendee-favorite takeaways included:
- Think clearly before acting quickly, but don’t wait too long. Minutes matter.
- Respond with empathy and values — not just facts.
- Speed, accuracy and compassion are not trade-offs. They are the standard.
Care Is the Ultimate Crisis Metric
One of the most powerful insights of the day? That every stakeholder expects you to care, and they’re watching for proof. In Garcia’s words, “The single biggest predictor of loss of trust in a crisis is the perception that you don’t care.”
That doesn’t mean saying the perfect thing. It means showing up in ways that reflect your values, your priorities and your humanity. Crisis-tested leaders don’t aim to please everyone; they aim to act responsibly, guided by what reasonable people would expect a responsible organization to do.
What This Workshop Reminded Us
Whether managing an operational disruption, a reputation threat or a moment of uncertainty, the lesson was clear: the best time to prepare is long before you need to respond.
To everyone who joined us — thank you. Your curiosity, candor and leadership made the room stronger. And to Helio Fred Garcia, thank you for challenging all of us to think more deeply and lead more effectively when it matters most.
Because at Ghidotti, we don’t just react to the headlines. We help organizations command the narrative and build trust before it’s tested.