Raise Your Hand

It wouldn’t surprise you that I was recently reading articles on proactive risk management cultures and companies that are known for their sound practices. 

As I researched more and the names of those companies became known to me, one thing I recognized was a culture that encourages each of us as risk managers to raise our hand when they spot potential risks. 

We know at the heart of a proactive risk management culture is open communication, transparency and accountability.  This topic we discussed in last week's Thursday Thoughts (april 4).

But, a reminder is necessary.  Each and every one of us is a risk manager in our own right.  Whether you are a developer, engineer, architect, tester, analyst, manager, or scrum master, your actions and decisions have a direct impact on the risks we face. 

We often hear the term "risk manager" and immediately associate it with a specific department or individual responsible for assessing and mitigating risks. While it's true that some teams specialize in risk management, the reality is that risk management is everyone's responsibility. After all, who knows our systems, processes, and projects better than the individuals working on them day in and day out?

It's time for us to embrace this responsibility fully. We must recognize that identifying and addressing risks isn't something that happens only during scheduled meetings or audits—it's an ongoing effort that requires vigilance and proactive participation from each team member. That's why I'm reaching out to you today with a simple yet powerful message:  raise your hand when you see risky behavior. 

What do I mean by risky behavior? It could be anything from cutting corners to meet tight deadlines, neglecting security protocols, or overlooking potential flaws in our code. It could also involve ignoring warning signs or dismissing feedback from colleagues about potential risks. Whatever form it takes, risky behavior poses a threat to our customers, applications, projects, our reputation, and our portfolio as a whole.

So why is it essential for us to speak up when we observe risky behavior? Firstly, because it's the right thing to do. As professionals committed to delivering high-quality solutions, we owe it to ourselves and our stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of integrity and excellence. Turning a blind eye to risks not only jeopardizes our projects but also undermines the trust and confidence that others have placed in us.

Secondly, because our collective expertise is our most potent weapon against risk. Each of my squads has a collective expertise of 20 years +.  Each of us brings a unique set of skills, insights, and experiences to the table. By fostering a culture where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged, we tap into the collective wisdom of our team and strengthen our ability to anticipate and mitigate risks effectively.

Lastly, our success as a team hinges on our ability to manage risks proactively. In today's hyperconnected world, where cyber threats, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics are constantly evolving, risk management isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a strategic imperative. By identifying and addressing risks early on, we position ourselves to deliver value more consistently, protect our assets more effectively, and seize opportunities with confidence.

So, my fellow risk managers 😉, I urge you to take ownership of your role in protecting our customers and safeguarding our applications, our portfolio, our division and our company. If you see something that doesn't sit right, if you sense a potential risk lurking beneath the surface, don't hesitate to speak up. Whether it's raising concerns with your team lead, initiating a dialogue during a meeting, or flagging an issue in our tracking system, your voice matters.

Together, let's embrace our roles as risk managers wholeheartedly. Let's cultivate a culture where risk awareness is ingrained in everything we do, where transparency and accountability are the norm, and where we stand united in our commitment to excellence.

Sincerely, thank you for your dedication, your expertise, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and emerge stronger, smarter, and more resilient than ever before.

Happy Thursday, 

-srt