Crises with disastrous consequences lurk in the hallways of every workplace. And an organization need not be large to be hit. Just ask the hotel whose bell captain was running an extortion ring, or the auto repair shop that almost went broke paying rehab bills for a chronic drinker it tried to fire. Businesses these days are prime targets, and one catastrophe - self-induced or utterly random - can easily deal a death blow. Fortunately, with motivation and know-how, organizations can manage crises rather than be their victims. Often it's even possible to avoid such nightmares in the first place. In this thorough and practical guide - packed with detailed and fascinating real-life stories - Steve Albrecht outlines a professional, proactive approach to effective crisis management. At the heart of this guide is an arsenal of self-defense tools that will help you handle any crisis with minimal damage. Drawing on guidance from battle-scarred corporate executives, crisis communication specialists, litigators, and other experts, Albrecht shows you how to establish a company "SWAT Team" to act as the line of first response; devise an immediate Action Plan; work with the media, even when you think they are the enemy; use public relations as an offensive and defensive weapon; handle the threat of lawsuits promptly and quietly (with special tips on keeping plaintiff and class action attorneys at bay); enhance safety and security in your workplace; weed out management practices that encourage sabotage by vengeful employees; and, build a chain of accountability that keeps avoidable crises from occurring.