Crisis Holding Statement
A pre-approved brief response used to acknowledge a developing situation before full facts are known.
Definition
A holding statement buys time during crisis uncertainty—acknowledging the situation, expressing appropriate concern, and promising updates without committing to facts that might change.
It's designed to fill the initial communication vacuum while leadership assesses the situation and develops comprehensive response.
Why It Matters
Silence during crisis is interpreted as guilt, negligence, or chaos. A holding statement shows responsiveness without premature commitments.
Having pre-approved templates ready enables faster initial response when every minute counts.
Examples in Practice
Following a product safety report, a company issues: "We are aware of reports regarding [product] and take all safety concerns seriously. We are actively investigating and will provide updates as we learn more. Customer safety is our top priority."
A CEO facing misconduct allegations: "We have learned of these serious allegations and are conducting a thorough, independent investigation. We will take appropriate action based on findings."