ABSTRACT
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of unprecedented disruption – and, for some, opportunity – globally and locally. In late 2019, when the outbreak came fully into public attention, the main concern was for students and staff who were in the area around Wuhan in central China, where the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated. Universities’ responses were considered and, for the most part, calm. This appeared to be a technical challenge that could be readily resolved. The central core of the diagram is a reminder of three further matters that take on greater importance during a crisis. Increased teamwork is needed to achieve consistency in communications across the wider university, particularly in the senior team. If a lack of consistency in messaging leads to a cacophony of confusing or contradictory messages, the impact on performance and morale will be significant.
