Crisis Communication

“I’m a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis.”  President Abraham Lincoln

My wife Carol and I are owners of Hackbarth Delivery Service, Inc., a 44-year old transportation company. Our team members are designated by the department of Homeland Security as ‘Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.’   This designation importantly allows us to be partners on the frontline in delivering medical products. What we do is not just important, but critical.

Here is a letter that I sent to all of our team members last week:

“Dear Hackbarth Team Members:

We are in unprecedented times. Every American has been and will continue to be impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Our team is being challenged like never before. We will get through this just as we have in every crisis we have faced in our 44-year history. Our company culture reminds us that we have always been our best when times are tough.

As important as our jobs and contracts are to each one of us, what we do for others through our transportation services is life-changing.

I know and believe we are here for a reason – to help others. Through our pharmaceutical deliveries, we will save lives. Through our home deliveries, we will help our fellow Americans to stay healthy, safe and secure in their homes. We will provide jobs for our team. We will help our country to get back on its feet. We can do this. We must do this. It is our mission. It is why we are here. We will not fail.

 How often do we have this kind of opportunity in such a pivotal moment in history—to make a difference in the lives of so many others? The success of first-line responders within the medical industry depends on our success. And our success depends on our drivers making timely deliveries of life-saving products across the vast HDS footprint.

 We have adopted procedures that will help prevent the transmission of the virus during our daily work activities. We have also asked our team members to practice these same strategies at home.  Please remember that our transportation team members, managers and drivers, are essential links in America’s supply chain.

Thank you for making a difference.

 Be safe,

Rob Hackbarth

Founder, Owner”

It is obvious that the work of Hackbarth Delivery is important in this crisis. But, this is one time in our country’s history that each of us play a significant role that can only be defined as critical to our success.  Everyone. As leaders in our organizations and families, it is imperative that we continue to have excellent communication.

Everyone has a leadership role in this crisis. Excellent communication is critical.

When you communicate, be sure to:

Identify the mission

Be transparent

Don’t repeat rumors

Be a calm voice

Be positive and confident

Emphasize teamwork

Be safe. Be part of the solution.