Camelot is a Myth
“Don’t let it be forgot That once there was a spot For one brief shining moment That was known as Camelot!” In a response, the Unified Command ideal is the same as the Camelot ideal; heroes come together to save the kingdom, chivalry and courage reign, decisions are wise and actions are just. No myth […]
Gaining Traction
Inertia is real, and it affects everything we do. Whether getting out of bed, competing in a drag race or starting crisis communication efforts, it takes time and effort to get going. In exercises, a common phrase for the JIC (Joint Information Center) performance is “It is going slowly, but finally gaining traction”. This reflects the […]
Welcome to the Brave New World!
Well, it is brave, but it’s not that new. Unified Command and the Joint Information Center (JIC) have been around in some form since the late 1960s. But it might be new for you! Many communicators spend their entire career without exposure to the JIC. Our only exposure may be in exercises or drills our […]
Becoming ‘Us’ – Response to Recovery
There are two arenas where we must work on becoming ‘Us’ – one arena for efficiency, the other arena for impact. First, for efficiency, becoming ‘Us’ inside Unified Command, with your response partners. Then, for impact, becoming ‘Us’ outside Unified Command, in the community as you communicate with affected stakeholders. Go home A key aspect […]
You Say Tomato, I Say Tomahto
In the response world, abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms (look it up!) are unavoidable. Complex titles are easier to recite and remember when reduced to a few letters, so Agencies become initialisms (DSHS, WaDOE), response systems become acronyms (NIMS), people become abbreviations (APIO). Even acronyms become acronyms (TMAtM = Too Many Acronyms to Mention). Two of […]