Handling Stress in Crisis Communication

Did you know that, “CareerCast.com named public relations officer the second-most stressful profession in America?” If you talk to any Crisis Communication professional you will realize how this rating is accurate. Crisis Communication is a field that is surrounded with constant worry.

There are numerous pressures that arise each day demanding immediate attention. At what point does it become too much?

Categorized into four groups, PRSA details how to manage and be proactive in the battle against stress. Preparation, teamwork, perspective, and practice are techniques used to handle each situation with an open-mind and make beneficial decisions. This article details the struggles, outcomes, and preventative measures of handling stressful situations and clients.

http://www.prsa.org/Intelligence/TheStrategist/Articles/view/9444/1037/Stress_and_Crisis_in_Public_Relations_Staying_Cool

By Anna Craver

Associate Manager

Scandalous Perceptions?

The new television series, “Scandal”, debuts midseason this fall on ABC.

Kerry Washington stars as Olivia Pope, power consultant and previous media relations consultant to the President; a role loosely based on Judy Smith, former press aide to the Bush administration.

The plot centers on Pope, who leaves the White House to open her own firm where she specializes in “fixing” the images of the country’s elite. Pope may be able to get even the most disreputable images back into society’s good graces, but she can’t quite fix her own life or those of her staff members. The series, which comes from the producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice”, will no doubt be riddled with love affairs gone sour. However, the question concerning public relations is whether or not the series will do justice to the profession.

In a world where public relations is already viewed with negative connotations, how will “Scandal” affect the image of the profession? Will PR practitioners once again be viewed as “liars”, and “constant partiers”? Or will the series portray the PR profession as what it truly is: A profession promoting ethical behavior, honesty and openness?

By Kate Brissenden

Associate Manager