Why Every High-Profile Personality Needs a Crisis Communication Team (and How to Build One)

Let’s face it—being in the public eye is like living in a house with glass walls. Everything you say, do, or even think (okay, maybe not think yet) can be put under the microscope. And in today’s digital age, a single slip-up can turn into a global headline before you’ve even had your morning coffee. That’s why having a crisis communication team isn’t just a luxury—it’s your safety net.

Here’s why it matters and how to set up a team that will have your back when things get messy (because they probably will).

1. Have a Game Plan (Before You Need One)
Think of this as your “break glass in case of emergency” kit. Your crisis communication plan should outline what to do, who does what, and how to handle things when the you-know-what hits the fan. This plan is your roadmap to keep everyone on the same page and avoid chaos.

Pro Tip: If your plan includes “panic and wing it,” you need a better plan.

2. Put Someone in Charge (and Make It Clear)
Who’s the captain of the ship during a storm? You need a clear hierarchy so decisions are made quickly and smartly. Assign roles like spokesperson (aka the voice of calm and reason) and media liaison (the person who deals with reporters so you don’t have to).

Pro Tip: Pick people who stay cool under pressure—no room for drama queens here.

3. Know Who to Call (Besides Your Mom)
When things go south, who needs to know first? Employees? Clients? Media? Make a list of all the key people and how to reach them. Also, have backup contact methods because technology loves to fail at the worst times.

Pro Tip: Keep this list updated—calling someone’s old number during a crisis won’t help.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice
You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, right? (Okay, maybe you would, but it wouldn’t end well.) The same goes for crisis management. Run simulations to see how your team handles different scenarios and tweak your plan based on what works—or doesn’t.

Pro Tip: Make these practice runs fun! Pretend you’re in a spy movie.

5. Keep Your Ear to the Ground (and the Internet)
Set up tools to monitor what people are saying about you online. Real-time feedback lets you know if your strategy is working or if you need to pivot. Think of this as checking the weather during a storm—stay ahead of it.

Pro Tip: Don’t just listen—respond! Show people you’re human, but also professional.

Final Thoughts
For high-profile personalities, a crisis isn’t a question of “if”—it’s “when.” The good news? With a solid crisis communication team, you’ll be ready to handle whatever life (or Twitter) throws at you.

At Horizon Comms, we make sure our clients are prepared for anything, with plans, teams, and strategies that work. Because when the storm hits, you’ll want a team that can navigate through it—not just tread water.

And remember: It’s not about avoiding crises; it’s about handling them like a pro.