Who or what blocks intelligent risk-taking within a business?

Risk managers often become scapegoats!

Intelligent Risk-Taking: Friend or Foe of Effective Risk Management?

In the dynamic world of business, calculated risks are the lifeblood of innovation and growth. Yet, a robust risk management (RM) methodology forms the cornerstone of sustainable success. This begs the question: is risk management inherently opposed to intelligent risk-taking, or are there other culprits hindering strategic growth? This article delves into this complex relationship, analysing recent events like BlackRock’s ESG shift and Lloyd’s bank’s RM personnel redundancies to shed light on the true barriers to intelligent risk-taking.

The Balancing Act: RM vs. Growth

A well-defined RM methodology identifies potential threats, assesses their impact, and implements mitigation strategies. This proactive approach safeguards the organisation from unforeseen circumstances. However, overly stringent risk frameworks can stifle innovation. Fear of failure can paralyse decision-making, hindering the exploration of new ventures that may hold significant rewards. BlackRock’s recent partial withdrawal from rigid ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles exemplifies this tension. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink acknowledged the need for a balance between ESG considerations and financial returns, suggesting overly restrictive ESG frameworks might inhibit investment opportunities [1].

The Culprits: Risk Owners or Risk Management?

The burden of promoting intelligent risk-taking shouldn’t solely fall on RM professionals. Risk owners – individuals accountable for specific risks – and senior management play a vital role. Risk owners might lack the necessary risk assessment skills, leading to a passive approach towards risk management. Similarly, senior management, preoccupied with short-term goals, may prioritise risk avoidance over calculated risks aligned with long-term strategy.

City A.M.’s report of Lloyd’s bank laying off RM personnel in the UK suggests a potential disconnect between RM practices and business strategy [2]. Here, the issue might lie in inadequate communication or a misalignment of risk appetite with the organisation’s goals. Layoffs may indicate a need for cultural change within the bank, promoting a risk-aware yet growth-oriented mindset.

The Role of Effective Risk Management

Effective RM methodologies are not inherently opposed to intelligent risk-taking. In fact, they can be powerful tools for promoting calculated risks:

  • Risk Identification: A comprehensive risk assessment identifies not only threats but also opportunities. Anticipating future trends helps identify potential areas for strategic growth.
  • Risk Prioritisation: By prioritising risks based on their likelihood and impact, resources can be strategically allocated. This allows for calculated risk-taking in areas with high potential rewards and lower risks.
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies: Developing effective mitigation plans minimises the downsides of pursuing strategic risks. This allows for bolder exploration while safeguarding core business operations.
  • Risk Appetite Definition: Setting clear risk tolerance levels empowers employees to make informed decisions within acceptable boundaries. This fosters a culture of calculated risk-taking while ensuring sound judgment.
  • Continuous Monitoring and Review: Regularly reviewing risks and RM strategies ensures adaptability. This allows for course correction and promotes taking advantage of favourable market conditions.

BlackRock’s ESG shift offers a valuable lesson: overly restrictive RM frameworks can stifle growth. Conversely, Lloyd’s bank’s layoffs suggest potential misalignment between risk management and business strategy.

Here are 9 ways to ensure a holistic RM methodology supports business strategy and goals:

  1. Integrate RM into Business Strategy: Embed RM principles at all organisational levels, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
  2. Foster a Risk-Aware Culture: Encourage open communication about risk at all levels, promoting a culture of calculated risk-taking.
  3. Empower Risk Owners: Equip risk owners with the necessary skills to effectively assess and manage risks.
  4. Define Clear Risk Appetite: Set clear risk tolerance levels to provide a framework for informed decision-making.
  5. Prioritise Risk Management: Allocate adequate resources to ensure a robust and adaptable RM programme.
  6. Promote Communication: Foster open dialogue between risk owners, RM professionals, and senior management.
  7. Invest in Risk Management Tools: Utilise data-driven risk assessment tools to support informed decision-making.
  8. Regular Review and Updates: Regularly review risk assessments and RM processes to ensure continuous improvement.
  9. Celebrate Calculated Risk-Taking: Acknowledge and reward successful ventures that embrace calculated risks.

By adopting these strategies, organisations can cultivate a balance between risk management and intelligent risk-taking, driving innovation and sustainable growth. Remember, effective risk management isn’t about eliminating risk entirely; it’s about embracing calculated risks for a prosperous future.

References:

  • (1) BlackRock’s recent withdrawal from ESG principles can be referenced from news articles or financial publications.
  • (2) The Lloyd’s bank layoffs can be referenced from City A.M.’s report:
  • Lloyds Bank is cutting jobs in risk management as it sees risk management principles and practices and methodology as being a block to its transformation progress. The group’s chief risk officer Stephen Shelley said in a memo last month that it was “resetting our approach to risk and controls” following an internal review. Shelley noted that two-thirds of Lloyds’ executives thought risk management was impeding progress, while less than half of its workforce believed “intelligent risk-taking” was encouraged. He said Lloyds’ “initial focus is on non-financial risks” and a new model would allow it to “move at greater pace” on its group strategy. “We know people are frustrated by time-consuming processes and ingrained ways of working that impede our ability to be competitive and leave us lagging behind our peers,” Shelley added. The Financial Times first reported the news. A person familiar with the matter told City A.M. that the restructuring would see around 175 permanent roles at risk of redundancy, including 153 in the risk unit. However, the person added that the lender expected to create 130 vacancies focused on specialist risk and technical expertise. Some 3,600 people currently work in Lloyds’ risk division. Will loosening its risk controls “could potentially have catastrophic consequences for the future of the bank”. In this case, there are around 45 role reductions, after new roles being created are factored in.” Lloyds, which has around 60,000 total employees, launched a plan in February 2022 to invest £4bn over the next five years to diversify away from interest rate-sensitive income streams like mortgages and become a “digital leader”.
  • Are risk management principles practices and methodology a block to corporate progression?

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What makes a company successful over the long term?

Create a more successful business with BusinessRiskTV tips advice and support

Has your business been just surviving for too long and could it be more successful?

There are many ways to grow a business. There is no right way fits all businesses. Even if the business is almost the exact same as another business in terms of who they target to sell to and have the same resources, the success and failure can come down to who leads the business and how they manage limited resources.

The problem can be exacerbated by outside risk events like wars, pandemics and interest rate movements, but controlling both internal and external risk drivers is what a leader is paid to do.

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Do not let fear of unknown and uncertainty deprive you of a more successful business. We can help you make better business decisions with increased risk knowledge, improved risk management skills and better business intelligence.

Business survival in the current economic climate is an important first base objective. However, attack can be the best form of defence! Growing your way out of the imminent global recession may help you not only survive but prosper.

  • Why has your business not grown as fast as you would have liked?
  • Do you know?
  • Is that the right perception of your failure to grow?
  • Do you know what you could do differently?
  • Why haven’t you made the changes needed to be more successful in business?

Sure there have been challenges over last few years. Yes you had to react fast to survive. However, getting ahead of the impeding disaster to hit many businesses will help your business survive and grow.

Keys to a successful business

3 things that make a business successful are:

  1. It solves a problem cost effectively;
  2. Its business leaders seek to increase profit not turnover;
  3. Its business leaders engage everyone in the process of being better, regardless of how good they currently are at the way they do things.

Become more tuned to the needs of your business stakeholders. Adapt your offering to the marketplace to dit those needs better. Deliver what they need and want more cost-effectively with less uncertainty. Make money more easily with more certainty with a better business risk management plan. Maximise the value of your business with a better offering to the marketplace.

Mastering the Right Business Skills: Overcoming Problems and Embracing Opportunities

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the business world, possessing the right set of skills is crucial for running a successful enterprise. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting a new venture or an established business owner, honing your business skills is essential for tackling challenges, solving problems, and capitalising on opportunities. This article explores the key skills needed to run a successful business, highlights the importance of these skills, discusses problem-solving strategies, and provides practical tips for improving your business acumen.

I. The Essential Skills for Running a Successful Business

Running a successful business requires a combination of hard and soft skills. Below are some key skills that entrepreneurs and business owners should develop:

  1. Leadership and Communication Skills: Effective leadership is vital for guiding teams, making strategic decisions, and inspiring employees. Strong communication skills foster collaboration, negotiation, and relationship building.
  2. Financial Management Skills: Understanding financial concepts, managing cash flow, and analysing financial statements are crucial for making informed business decisions and ensuring long-term sustainability.
  3. Marketing and Sales Skills: The ability to identify target markets, develop effective marketing strategies, and close sales is essential for attracting and retaining customers.
  4. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills: Being able to analyse complex situations, think critically, and make sound decisions in a timely manner is vital for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
  5. Adaptability and Resilience: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being adaptable and resilient allows entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainties and bounce back from setbacks.
  6. Time and Project Management Skills: Effective time management and project planning ensure that tasks are completed efficiently, deadlines are met, and resources are optimised.
  7. Networking and Relationship Building Skills: Building a strong network of contacts, maintaining customer relationships, and nurturing partnerships are valuable for business growth and opportunities.

II. The Importance of Business Skills

Business skills are fundamental for several reasons:

  1. Successful Decision Making: With the right business skills, entrepreneurs can analyse data, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions, leading to better outcomes and growth.
  2. Efficient Problem Solving: Business skills equip individuals with problem-solving techniques to identify and address issues, enabling smoother operations and improved customer satisfaction.
  3. Adaptation to Changing Markets: Business skills enable entrepreneurs to stay abreast of market trends, identify emerging opportunities, and adapt their strategies to remain competitive.
  4. Effective Communication: Strong communication skills enhance collaboration, team dynamics, and customer relations, fostering a positive brand image and facilitating business success.
  5. Building a Strong Team: Business skills contribute to effective team management, recruitment, and employee development, leading to a motivated workforce and higher productivity.
  6. Financial Management: Proficient financial skills help entrepreneurs manage budgets, cash flow, and profitability, enabling sustainable growth and mitigating financial risks.

III. Solving Business-Related Problems

To solve business problems effectively, consider the following strategies:

  1. Define the Problem: Clearly identify the problem by analysing the root causes and understanding its impact on various aspects of the business.
  2. Gather Information: Collect relevant data, conduct research, and consult experts to gain insights and develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
  3. Analyse and Prioritise: Break down the problem into manageable components, evaluate their significance, and prioritise areas for action.
  4. Generate Solutions: Encourage brainstorming sessions to generate a range of potential solutions. Evaluate each option based on feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business objectives.
  5. Implement and Monitor: Select the most viable solution and create an action plan. Monitor progress, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments to ensure effective implementation.

IV. Improving Business Skills

Enhancing your business skills is an ongoing process. Here are some practical ways to improve your skills:

  1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends, technologies, and best practices through books, online courses, podcasts, and industry events.
  2. Seek Mentorship: Engage with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, share insights, and offer support based on their own business experiences.
  3. Networking Opportunities: Attend business conferences, join professional associations, and actively participate in networking events to expand your connections and learn from others.
  4. Embrace Feedback: Seek feedback from customers, employees, and mentors to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments.
  5. Develop Emotional Intelligence: Enhance your ability to understand and manage emotions, build relationships, and communicate effectively.
  6. Delegate and Empower: Learn to delegate tasks and empower your team members, allowing you to focus on higher-level strategic activities.
  7. Engage in Critical Thinking: Develop critical thinking skills by analysing complex problems, evaluating multiple perspectives, and making informed decisions.

Mastering the right business skills is a prerequisite for running a successful enterprise. These skills empower entrepreneurs and business owners to overcome challenges, solve problems, and seize opportunities in the dynamic and competitive business landscape. By developing and honing the essential skills discussed in this article, individuals can enhance their decision-making abilities, adapt to changing markets, and build thriving businesses. Continuous learning, seeking mentorship, embracing feedback, and practicing emotional intelligence are practical ways to improve business skills. Remember, the journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a continuous one, and investing in your business skills is an investment in your future success.

What skills are needed to run a successful business? Why business skills are important? How do you solve business related problems? How can I improve my business skills?
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What makes a company successful over the long term?

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How to improve decision-making in business

Successful business leaders:

  • Identify the internal and external risk factors driving the key risks impacting negatively and positively on your business objectives.
  • Evaluate options with best perception of risks and establish prioritisation of limited business resources where best outcomes can be anticipated.
  • Navigate risks and uncertainty proactively.

Formalise your decision-making process so you can monitor your good and bad decisions to learn lessons you can act upon to improve your business performance through better business decisions.

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Your strategic operational and project decisions will create or destroy your future success in business

Cost effective decision-making in dynamic business environment requires business leaders to understand key business risks. Rethink what will be critical to your success in business.

The fast-paced complex nature of the business world means business leaders must have confidence in their decision-making processes and practices to ensure they make the best decision possible at the right time. Often the right decision is required sooner than later.

Decision-making can be worked on to improve your risk management skills. You need to know how your leadership decisions will impact on your business, preferably before you implement your decision.

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Adversity is the mother of invention. Adversity and success have a close working relationship. However it does not have to be your business that suffers the business adversity. A strong business has a developed and tested business continuity plan BCP. The BCP will not only help you to maintain your business to survive adversity but it will help you identify ways to bring forward business improvements or seize new business opportunities.

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Why is adversity important?

Necessity is the mother of invention. If you have to find a new solution for your business you will find it. Human beings are very clever. Much more intelligent than we realise. However adversity can unveil otherwise hidden abilities to do things better than before adversity hit.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders who overcome adversity

Top entrepreneurs and business leaders quickly identify and exploit opportunities from adversity. The adversity suffered maybe that of your competitors rather than your own business.

Sometimes benefiting from adversity comes from increased demand. Private jet hire cannot cope with current demand due to the coronavirus or Covid19. Thousands of people have died and many tens of thousands have been infected most in China. Commercial airlines like British Airways stopped flying into or out of China due to coronavirus outbreak. Many cannot or do not want to book a flight out of China. Many do not want to fly anywhere with other people they do not know. The result for private jet hire companies is more demand than they can supply. This will boost private jet hire revenue and profit.

The opportunity to grow from adversity is mainly about the change of demand potentially with a reduction in supply. Sometimes profiting from adversity just comes from a reduction in supply. The collapse of a business in your industry may mean you then have the opportunity to sell more and sell more profitably. Thomas Cook holiday and travel business collapsed in September 2019. Many people lost their jobs but many were subsequently taken on by Hays Travel who massively expanded their business within just a few months. TUI travel business had its best month in January 2020. Other holiday and travel related businesses have massively grown on the back of the collapse of Thomas Cook.

The key is to protect your business with a business continuity plan and to be dynamic enough to be prepared to capitalise on potential shifts for demand for your type of business. This includes being very clear on where you want your business to be in x years time and how you could get there. If you know where you are going you can perhaps more easily bring forward your business development plans in the event of a significant risk event not affecting your business directly.

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Developing A Positive Health and Safety Culture

BusinessRiskTV on promoting a more positive safety management culture in the UK. Good safety management practices can improve business performance. Understanding how to manage safety risks better will help business leaders understand how their business is working in areas that are not safety related.

Benefits Of A Positive Health and Safety Culture

Successful businesses have positive risk management cultures including positive safety management systems procedures and processes. Good businesses tend to have good safety management systems.

Promoting good health and safety culture is about changing attitudes at all levels of the organisation from the top down. Changing behaviour begins with changing attitudes to risk and everyone has to take responsibility for safer working environment.

Just as managers and co workers can facilitate or encourage poor safety practices, managers and co workers can promote better safety management practices.

Our guide to the features and benefits of a positive safety management culture :

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