Current as of March 16, 2020 A crisis nerve center can play an important role in planning and managing COVID-19 responses Crisis nerve centers can help in situations with three When setting up a nerve center, consider four key determining features actions: : Ÿ A disruption or crisis requires immediate attention. It may • Discover an accurate view of the situation through have arrived or be imminent multisource “listening posts,” assess how it might Ÿ The situation is novel due to the nature or scale of the evolve, and derive implications for the organization threat, which distinguishes it from a “routine emergency” • Design a trigger-based portfolio of actions— Ÿ The disruption is unfolding faster than the organization immediate and strategic—with a pragmatic can understand or interpret using the usual approaches, operating model to develop detailed plans and act such as an extensive strategic study on them COVID-19 fits these criteria, so a nerve center may help • Decide on strategic actions quickly after stress- companies quickly assess the situation and consider and testing of hypotheses and alternatives, ensuring choose plans of action, and execute those plans. adherence to company and societal values • Deliver in a disciplined, efficient way, keeping sufficient flexibility to adapt to the changing landscape McKinsey & Company 17