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Crisis Compass: How to Communicate When It Matters Most
Crisis is inevitable. Chaos is not.
Every organization will face a crisis—whether it’s an executive scandal, a cybersecurity breach, workplace violence, or a PR disaster. The difference between brands that survive and those that collapse is The ones that prepare, win.
In Crisis Compass, crisis communications expert Michele Ehrhart pulls back the curtain on what truly separates effective leaders from those who crack under pressure. Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience—including managing crises for one of the world’s largest global corporations—Ehrhart delivers a practical, no-nonsense road map for leaders, PR professionals, and executives who want to stay ahead of the storm.
Inside, you’ll
the fatal flaws in crisis plans—why most organizations fail when it matters most;crisis drills and rehearsals—the real reason your team thinks it’s ready (but isn’t);the 24-hour rule—how to control the narrative before the crisis controls you;silence vs. speed—why sometimes, saying nothing is the smartest move;social media strategy—how to handle misinformation, leaks, and public panic; andwhat comes after the fire—post-crisis strategies to rebuild trust and reputation.Using compelling, real-world case studies—including firsthand experience from corporate crises that made global headlines—Ehrhart gives leaders the exact strategies they need to think, respond, and lead under pressure. Whether you’re a business executive, PR strategist, or crisis communicator, Crisis Compass will transform the way you approach high-stakes moments.
Every organization will face a crisis—whether it’s an executive scandal, a cybersecurity breach, workplace violence, or a PR disaster. The difference between brands that survive and those that collapse is The ones that prepare, win.
In Crisis Compass, crisis communications expert Michele Ehrhart pulls back the curtain on what truly separates effective leaders from those who crack under pressure. Drawing on decades of high-stakes experience—including managing crises for one of the world’s largest global corporations—Ehrhart delivers a practical, no-nonsense road map for leaders, PR professionals, and executives who want to stay ahead of the storm.
Inside, you’ll
the fatal flaws in crisis plans—why most organizations fail when it matters most;crisis drills and rehearsals—the real reason your team thinks it’s ready (but isn’t);the 24-hour rule—how to control the narrative before the crisis controls you;silence vs. speed—why sometimes, saying nothing is the smartest move;social media strategy—how to handle misinformation, leaks, and public panic; andwhat comes after the fire—post-crisis strategies to rebuild trust and reputation.Using compelling, real-world case studies—including firsthand experience from corporate crises that made global headlines—Ehrhart gives leaders the exact strategies they need to think, respond, and lead under pressure. Whether you’re a business executive, PR strategist, or crisis communicator, Crisis Compass will transform the way you approach high-stakes moments.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
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1185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 9, 2025
Book Review: Crisis Compass: How to Communicate When It Matters Most by Michele Ehrhart
Rating: 4.1/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Michele Ehrhart’s Crisis Compass is a pragmatic, no-nonsense guide to crisis management that distills decades of high-stakes corporate experience into actionable strategies. The book’s central thesis—that crisis is inevitable, chaos is not—is reinforced through real-world case studies and a focus on preparation over panic. Ehrhart’s expertise shines in sections like the 24-hour rule (controlling narratives swiftly) and silence vs. speed (strategic communication timing), though her corporate-centric examples may feel less applicable to small businesses or nonprofits.
Thematic strengths include its emphasis on crisis drills (exposing team overconfidence) and post-crisis reputation rebuilding. However, the 161-page length limits deeper exploration of cultural or geopolitical crises, and the social media strategy chapter, while useful, lacks novel insights for digital-native readers.
Reader Reactions & Emotional Impact
As someone who has witnessed organizations falter during scandals, I found Ehrhart’s blunt advice (most crisis plans fail when it matters most) both unsettling and galvanizing. The case studies—especially those from global headlines—evoked a visceral sense of urgency, though I wished for more diverse scenarios beyond corporate settings. A passage on public panic management resonated deeply, recalling my own anxiety during a local PR disaster.
Ehrhart’s tone oscillates between mentor-like reassurance and drill-sergeant rigor, which may polarize readers. Her dismissal of thoughts and prayers, PR responses elicited a wry smile, but the relentless focus on winning crises occasionally overshadowed ethical considerations.
Constructive Criticism
-Scope: Over-indexes on corporate crises; NGOs or government agencies need more tailored strategies.
-Depth: Chapters on fatal flaws and social media could benefit from counterarguments or dissent.
-Diversity: Case studies lack representation from non-Western contexts or grassroots movements.
How I would describe this book:
- The Art of War for crisis communicators—Ehrhart turns chaos into strategy.
- For leaders who want to stop firefighting and start fireproofing.
- A masterclass in controlling narratives before they control you.
Personal Remarks
Reading this during a minor workplace scandal, I dog-eared pages on misinformation containment—Ehrhart’s tactics helped me draft a response before we even convened the team. Her warning about rehearsal complacency hit home; Going forward, I plan to schedule quarterly crisis simulations for my division.
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher, Advantage Books, and Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC. This is essential reading for any leader navigating today’s volatile media landscape.
Final Verdict
A 4.1/5—a sharp, if narrowly focused, playbook for corporate crisis management. Ehrhart’s real-world wisdom outweighs its limitations, making it a worthy addition to leadership shelves.
Rating: 4.1/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Michele Ehrhart’s Crisis Compass is a pragmatic, no-nonsense guide to crisis management that distills decades of high-stakes corporate experience into actionable strategies. The book’s central thesis—that crisis is inevitable, chaos is not—is reinforced through real-world case studies and a focus on preparation over panic. Ehrhart’s expertise shines in sections like the 24-hour rule (controlling narratives swiftly) and silence vs. speed (strategic communication timing), though her corporate-centric examples may feel less applicable to small businesses or nonprofits.
Thematic strengths include its emphasis on crisis drills (exposing team overconfidence) and post-crisis reputation rebuilding. However, the 161-page length limits deeper exploration of cultural or geopolitical crises, and the social media strategy chapter, while useful, lacks novel insights for digital-native readers.
Reader Reactions & Emotional Impact
As someone who has witnessed organizations falter during scandals, I found Ehrhart’s blunt advice (most crisis plans fail when it matters most) both unsettling and galvanizing. The case studies—especially those from global headlines—evoked a visceral sense of urgency, though I wished for more diverse scenarios beyond corporate settings. A passage on public panic management resonated deeply, recalling my own anxiety during a local PR disaster.
Ehrhart’s tone oscillates between mentor-like reassurance and drill-sergeant rigor, which may polarize readers. Her dismissal of thoughts and prayers, PR responses elicited a wry smile, but the relentless focus on winning crises occasionally overshadowed ethical considerations.
Constructive Criticism
-Scope: Over-indexes on corporate crises; NGOs or government agencies need more tailored strategies.
-Depth: Chapters on fatal flaws and social media could benefit from counterarguments or dissent.
-Diversity: Case studies lack representation from non-Western contexts or grassroots movements.
How I would describe this book:
- The Art of War for crisis communicators—Ehrhart turns chaos into strategy.
- For leaders who want to stop firefighting and start fireproofing.
- A masterclass in controlling narratives before they control you.
Personal Remarks
Reading this during a minor workplace scandal, I dog-eared pages on misinformation containment—Ehrhart’s tactics helped me draft a response before we even convened the team. Her warning about rehearsal complacency hit home; Going forward, I plan to schedule quarterly crisis simulations for my division.
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher, Advantage Books, and Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC. This is essential reading for any leader navigating today’s volatile media landscape.
Final Verdict
A 4.1/5—a sharp, if narrowly focused, playbook for corporate crisis management. Ehrhart’s real-world wisdom outweighs its limitations, making it a worthy addition to leadership shelves.
August 14, 2025
Michelle Ehrhart packed a wealth of information and wisdom in just 100 pages.
This book was everything I expect from a management book:
- well-written and easy to read, without tangents but with plenty of relatable examples
- informative and based on real-life experience from an extremely experienced leader
- adaptable to many industries and cultures (it did not feel US centric at all)
- encouraging the reader to immediately apply what they learned, as well as learn more about the topic
No matter where you work, at some point, there will be a crisis.
It can take many shapes and forms, from a key employee resigning to an active shooter in the office. We all think that we know what to do when disaster strikes, but we truly do not. Do you remember the last time one of your friends lost someone close to them? How hard it was to find the right thing to say? Crisis communication looks like this, but with a wide audience and very high business stakes. The rest of your career might depend on the decisions you make during the "golden hour", the few hours or days after the crisis. And it is not only about the decisions, it is about you communicate them and help the others navigate a difficult situation.
This book is organized in short chapters (around 10 pages) that are absolutely perfect for those 15 minutes you never quite do anything with. You can get a daily nugget of crisis management wisdom while in the metro, or in between two meetings at work. That is brilliant. It makes the book extremely portable. No need for long reading sessions or intense concentration. This will be a perfect companion for a busy manager willing to learn more about the topic.
If there is one chapter I have to highlight, it is the one about Strategic Silence. Too many people forget that silence is part of communication. Remaining silent about a topic, for a while or for ever, can be a valid strategic choice. You do not need to rush into a speech because people are trying to get information out of you. We need to be reminded of that more often. Silence is not about shutting down. It can be about listening, gathering information, or providing space for others who have a more legitimate voice than ours in the situation.
5 well-deserved stars. I am planning to buy this book when it gets published. It will live permanently on my desk at work.
Thank you Michele Ehrhart for an incredibly efficient and useful crisis communication manual.
And thank you #NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
This book was everything I expect from a management book:
- well-written and easy to read, without tangents but with plenty of relatable examples
- informative and based on real-life experience from an extremely experienced leader
- adaptable to many industries and cultures (it did not feel US centric at all)
- encouraging the reader to immediately apply what they learned, as well as learn more about the topic
No matter where you work, at some point, there will be a crisis.
It can take many shapes and forms, from a key employee resigning to an active shooter in the office. We all think that we know what to do when disaster strikes, but we truly do not. Do you remember the last time one of your friends lost someone close to them? How hard it was to find the right thing to say? Crisis communication looks like this, but with a wide audience and very high business stakes. The rest of your career might depend on the decisions you make during the "golden hour", the few hours or days after the crisis. And it is not only about the decisions, it is about you communicate them and help the others navigate a difficult situation.
This book is organized in short chapters (around 10 pages) that are absolutely perfect for those 15 minutes you never quite do anything with. You can get a daily nugget of crisis management wisdom while in the metro, or in between two meetings at work. That is brilliant. It makes the book extremely portable. No need for long reading sessions or intense concentration. This will be a perfect companion for a busy manager willing to learn more about the topic.
If there is one chapter I have to highlight, it is the one about Strategic Silence. Too many people forget that silence is part of communication. Remaining silent about a topic, for a while or for ever, can be a valid strategic choice. You do not need to rush into a speech because people are trying to get information out of you. We need to be reminded of that more often. Silence is not about shutting down. It can be about listening, gathering information, or providing space for others who have a more legitimate voice than ours in the situation.
5 well-deserved stars. I am planning to buy this book when it gets published. It will live permanently on my desk at work.
Thank you Michele Ehrhart for an incredibly efficient and useful crisis communication manual.
And thank you #NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
December 6, 2025
When Crisis Hits: A Leader's Field Guide...
Ehrhart's Crisis Compass is basically a no-BS guide written by someone who's actually been in the thick of it for years. What makes it different from your average corporate manual? It's all pulled from real disasters—the ones you saw on the news—not some made-up scenarios cooked up during a boring strategy meeting. Ehrhart cuts through the usual myths about crisis prep and shows why so many companies fall apart when things go south, even when they've got perfectly good plans just sitting there collecting dust.
Where this book really shines is in the practical stuff. From the make-or-break first 24 hours to handling social media when everything's blowing up, Ehrhart gives you strategies that actually work when the pressure's on. She gets into the tricky calls—like figuring out when staying quiet is smarter than rushing to respond, or when you need to be totally transparent even if it feels risky. But here's the thing: she doesn't stop at just managing the mess. She also digs into how you rebuild your reputation afterward, because let's be honest—surviving the crisis doesn't mean much if people still don't trust you. If you're in any kind of leadership role, you need to read this.
Ehrhart's Crisis Compass is basically a no-BS guide written by someone who's actually been in the thick of it for years. What makes it different from your average corporate manual? It's all pulled from real disasters—the ones you saw on the news—not some made-up scenarios cooked up during a boring strategy meeting. Ehrhart cuts through the usual myths about crisis prep and shows why so many companies fall apart when things go south, even when they've got perfectly good plans just sitting there collecting dust.
Where this book really shines is in the practical stuff. From the make-or-break first 24 hours to handling social media when everything's blowing up, Ehrhart gives you strategies that actually work when the pressure's on. She gets into the tricky calls—like figuring out when staying quiet is smarter than rushing to respond, or when you need to be totally transparent even if it feels risky. But here's the thing: she doesn't stop at just managing the mess. She also digs into how you rebuild your reputation afterward, because let's be honest—surviving the crisis doesn't mean much if people still don't trust you. If you're in any kind of leadership role, you need to read this.
October 6, 2025
Especially in a context of constant uncertainty and challenges, this book highlights a key idea: while crises are inevitable and can arise in a variety of ways, the chaos that can result from them is not. Author Ehrhart combines her practical experience with very concrete examples, which feel like a lesson applicable to the daily life of any leader or entrepreneur.
The central insight I learnt from this book is that preparation is the determining factor for an organisation's survival and success in the face of a crisis. Brands or organisations that invest in crisis preparation, planning, and management strategies are more likely to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. Upon closing the book, I was left with a sense of clarity and empowerment.
The central insight I learnt from this book is that preparation is the determining factor for an organisation's survival and success in the face of a crisis. Brands or organisations that invest in crisis preparation, planning, and management strategies are more likely to overcome challenges and emerge stronger. Upon closing the book, I was left with a sense of clarity and empowerment.
October 7, 2025
Great book
I am a social communicator by profession. This has brought several challenges, including the mistaken belief that one is automatically an expert at communicating in absolutely every area of life. However, it is important to understand that each moment and each situation require different ways of expressing oneself. I found this book valuable because it summarizes key concepts of communication very well and, overall, works as a guide or manual that is both easy to understand and simple to apply in everyday life. I liked it because it not only helps people in their daily routines but also contributes to their personal and professional development. I highly recommend it.
I am a social communicator by profession. This has brought several challenges, including the mistaken belief that one is automatically an expert at communicating in absolutely every area of life. However, it is important to understand that each moment and each situation require different ways of expressing oneself. I found this book valuable because it summarizes key concepts of communication very well and, overall, works as a guide or manual that is both easy to understand and simple to apply in everyday life. I liked it because it not only helps people in their daily routines but also contributes to their personal and professional development. I highly recommend it.
October 29, 2025
Crisis or Not? Five Stars All the Way
On a recent West Coast flight, I found the time to read Michele’s first book Crisis Compass and am duly impressed. It is the rare business book that reads like fiction. The tone is conversational, and the stories vividly support the crisis communications subject matter. It is clear that Michele has walked the talk and wants others to benefit from her hard-earned experiences.
I highly recommend Crisis Compass to any communications professional – not just to read, but to keep on their desk as a best-in-class guide for any unexpected situation. Implementing the practical plans and steps Michele so eloquently describes will help companies and brands be anchored by preparation, empathy and communication in any storm.
On a recent West Coast flight, I found the time to read Michele’s first book Crisis Compass and am duly impressed. It is the rare business book that reads like fiction. The tone is conversational, and the stories vividly support the crisis communications subject matter. It is clear that Michele has walked the talk and wants others to benefit from her hard-earned experiences.
I highly recommend Crisis Compass to any communications professional – not just to read, but to keep on their desk as a best-in-class guide for any unexpected situation. Implementing the practical plans and steps Michele so eloquently describes will help companies and brands be anchored by preparation, empathy and communication in any storm.
October 2, 2025
This book came to me while we were facing some complex challenges at my company. From the first page, Michele Ehrhart makes it clear that crises can't be avoided, but chaos can. And that distinction changed everything for me. Unlike other books on corporate communications, this one isn't limited to theory. Ehrhart speaks from real experience, and that's the most valuable thing. What struck me most was her direct and practical approach. So, if you work in communications, lead a team, manage a brand, or simply want to be prepared for the inevitable, this book is a worthwhile investment. I recommend it for its clarity of message. Very good Reading.
October 8, 2025
It's a practical guide for those facing a bit of a tense situation or atmosphere at work. I like that the book is filled with real examples that happened in high pressure scenarios. It was very interesting to read about the 24 hour rule, which talks about how important acting quickly can modify the outcome before problems get bigger.
Also, it gives really interesting information on how to prepare, also practice and be able to recover after certain unexpected events.
A great book for those readers that need to lower their brain activity and be calm. A really good book to have in the office.
Also, it gives really interesting information on how to prepare, also practice and be able to recover after certain unexpected events.
A great book for those readers that need to lower their brain activity and be calm. A really good book to have in the office.
October 8, 2025
Crisis Compass by Michele Ehrhart was a book that surprised me in a good way. I picked it up because at work we recently had a small crisis, and honestly, no one knew how to talk about it clearly. Reading this book felt like getting good advice from someone who has been through it many times. Michele explains how to communicate when things go wrong, step by step, with real examples that are easy to understand. I liked the part about staying calm and honest, because it reminded me of a moment when I had to give bad news to a client. It wasn’t easy, but clear communication helped. This book is practical, simple, and full of useful tips for real situations. I enjoyed it a lot.
October 8, 2025
This book is completely necessary for any leader of any type of company. It is an incredible guide for you to know how to manage the crisis, something everyone would experience in a certain moment in life. I love that you can read the author's experience on every page, seeing her work live in other very competitive organizations is inspiring and also gives me the confidence to trust everything this amazing author wrote. I really recommend this book, it is a great tool to prevent and know how to react when this difficult moment arrives at your door, how to be a great leader and lead your team out successfully. A must read.
September 1, 2025
This was a well-structured self-help book concerning how to handle crises that might affect your business. The book focuses on being proactive and forward-looking rather than reactive. The book outlines some "drills" and plan building strategies in order to be prepared for when something goes wrong or becomes a "crisis."
It is definitely worth a read especially for business owners and people designated to be prepared such as HR for when something goes wrong and how to communicate and minimize any issue before it becomes uncontrollable.
*I received a copy via a Goodreads giveaway.
It is definitely worth a read especially for business owners and people designated to be prepared such as HR for when something goes wrong and how to communicate and minimize any issue before it becomes uncontrollable.
*I received a copy via a Goodreads giveaway.
September 12, 2025
Well thought out, takes into account several challenges described in the industry by HBR with actionable, useful plans and lessons. Interesting read and applicable outside of the industry in terms of structure and problem solving.
December 14, 2025
Full disclosure I received a kindle edition of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I find myself without a lot to say. The information was useful. The writing was readable. I would suggest it for the business leader.
I find myself without a lot to say. The information was useful. The writing was readable. I would suggest it for the business leader.
Currently reading
February 16, 2026I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
This book is a good, practical guide that is a great resource in the workplace setting. It provides strategies and is helfpful with understanding ways to communicate during crisis and difficult times in the workplace.
This book is a good, practical guide that is a great resource in the workplace setting. It provides strategies and is helfpful with understanding ways to communicate during crisis and difficult times in the workplace.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews