Tag: Value Of Risk Culture Within A Business

Value Of Risk Culture Within A Business BusinessRiskTV

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?

Get help to protect and grow your business

Find out more

Subscribe for free business risk alerts and risk reviews

Enterprise Risk Management Magazine
Better Business Protection Faster Business Growth

Connect with us

Read more business risk management articles

Connect with us

 

Rethinking How You Add Value as the Leader of Your Company for Personal Gain and Business Growth

Both you and your business can do even better!

How Can You Add Value to This Role? Unlocking Your Potential for Success

As a leader in your company, it is crucial to continually reassess how you add value to your role. By reevaluating your approach, you can unlock your potential for personal gain and foster faster business growth. Here are a few strategies to consider:

  1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a mindset that embraces learning and development. Seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth, both within and outside your current role. By constantly expanding your knowledge and skills, you become a valuable asset to your company.
  2. Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork within your organisation. By building strong relationships with your team members, you create an environment where everyone’s unique skills and perspectives can contribute to the company’s success. This collaboration leads to increased innovation and productivity.
  3. Drive Strategic Initiatives: Take the initiative to identify and prioritise strategic projects and initiatives that align with your company’s goals. By proactively driving these initiatives, you demonstrate your ability to think strategically and make a significant impact on the organization’s growth.

By implementing these strategies and continuously reevaluating your role, you can add value to your position and set the stage for personal growth and accelerated business success.

The Three Most Important Things in a Working Environment

When considering the working environment, there are three crucial factors that significantly impact productivity, job satisfaction, and overall success:

  1. Open Communication: A working environment that fosters open communication is vital for success. Encourage transparent and honest dialogue among team members, where ideas, concerns, and feedback can be freely shared. This fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation.
  2. Supportive Culture: A supportive culture is essential for creating a positive working environment. Foster a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated. Provide opportunities for growth, recognise achievements, and promote work-life balance. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to thrive and contribute their best work.
  3. Empowerment and Autonomy: Empowering employees with autonomy over their work is crucial. Allow individuals to take ownership of their projects, make decisions, and contribute their unique skills and perspectives. This sense of empowerment not only enhances job satisfaction but also leads to increased creativity and productivity.

By prioritising open communication, cultivating a supportive culture, and empowering employees, you can create a working environment that promotes personal growth, job satisfaction, and ultimately, business success.

Making Yourself More Valuable to Your Employer: Strategies for Professional Growth

To increase your value to your employer, it’s important to continually develop your skills and expertise. Here are a few strategies to make yourself more valuable:

  1. Seek Professional Development Opportunities: Take advantage of professional development programs, workshops, conferences, and online courses relevant to your field. Acquiring new knowledge and staying up-to-date with industry trends positions you as a valuable asset to your employer.
  2. Expand Your Skill Set: Identify areas where you can expand your skill set. This could involve learning new technologies, acquiring proficiency in a different department, or developing leadership and communication skills. Broadening your capabilities allows you to contribute to various aspects of your organisation, making you indispensable.
  3. Demonstrate Initiative: Show initiative by taking on additional responsibilities, volunteering for challenging projects, or suggesting process improvements. Proactively seek opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks, showcasing your dedication and commitment to your employer’s success.
  4. Foster Relationships: Build strong relationships with colleagues, managers, and leaders within your organisation. Cultivating a strong network not only enhances collaboration but also opens doors for mentorship, career guidance, and potential advancement opportunities.

By consistently investing in your professional growth and demonstrating your commitment to adding value, you can make yourself more valuable to your employer. Remember that personal growth and professional development go hand in hand, benefiting both you and your organisation.

Maximising Your Ability to Deliver Your Best Work More Often

Delivering your best work consistently is crucial for personal and professional success. To maximise your ability to do so, consider the following:

  1. Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for peak performance. Make sure to get enough rest, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and practice stress-management techniques. When you prioritise self-care, you enhance your focus, energy levels, and overall well-being, enabling you to perform at your best.
  2. Streamline Your Workflow: Identify and eliminate any unnecessary tasks or distractions that hinder your productivity. Organise your workspace, set clear goals, and establish effective time management techniques. Streamlining your workflow allows you to focus on high-value tasks and produce your best work more efficiently.
  3. Continuously Learn and Improve: Never stop learning and seeking ways to improve your skills and knowledge. Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to your field. By staying ahead of the curve, you can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table, enabling you to consistently deliver exceptional results.
  4. Seek Feedback and Embrace Growth Opportunities: Actively seek feedback from your peers, superiors, and clients. Constructive criticism provides valuable insights into areas for improvement and allows you to refine your skills. Embrace growth opportunities such as workshops, training programs, and mentorship to further develop your expertise and expand your capabilities.
  5. Cultivate a Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive mindset even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to view obstacles as learning opportunities and bounce back stronger. A positive mindset fuels resilience, creativity, and a drive to deliver your best work consistently.

By implementing these strategies and constantly striving for improvement, you can maximise your ability to deliver your best work more often. This not only benefits your personal growth but also contributes to the overall success and growth of your organisation.

Remember, rethinking how you add value as a leader and continuously seeking ways to enhance your performance is a powerful catalyst for personal gain and accelerated business growth. Embrace the opportunity to evolve and thrive in your role, and the results will be rewarding for both you and your organisation.

Sign up for free newsletter or follow us via your favourite social media account

More business risk management articles videos and risk reviews

BusinessRiskTV Business Risk Management Club Membership
Risk Management Think Tank BusinessRiskTV Risk Experts
Enterprise Risk Management Magazine BusinessRiskTV ERM Magazine
Business Risk Academy
Risk Management Jobs
Business Risk Management Marketplace BusinessRiskTV
Buy and Sell Online Marketplace BusinessRiskTV Free Online Marketplace

Rethinking How You Add Value as the Leader of Your Company for Personal Gain and Business Growth

Aligning Value with Goals

8 steps to improve your business performance

Aligning Your Value Proposition with Your Business Goals: A Recipe for Success

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, the alignment of your value proposition with your business goals plays a pivotal role in determining the success and sustainability of your venture. Your value proposition is the unique combination of benefits and value that your products or services offer to customers, setting you apart from competitors. Meanwhile, your business goals outline the specific objectives and targets you aim to achieve. By aligning these two critical aspects, you can maximise customer satisfaction, drive growth, and ensure long-term profitability. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to align your value proposition with your business goals.

  1. Define Your Value Proposition To align your value proposition with your business goals, you must first define and articulate what sets your products or services apart from the competition. Start by understanding the core needs and desires of your target audience. Conduct market research, analyse customer feedback, and assess your competitors to identify unique selling points. Define the key features, benefits, and value that your offering provides, and craft a clear and compelling value proposition statement that communicates this to your audience.
  2. Understand Your Business Goals Next, gain a comprehensive understanding of your business goals. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They may include revenue targets, market share objectives, customer acquisition or retention goals, expansion plans, or product/service innovation. Ensure your goals are aligned with your long-term vision and overall business strategy. This understanding will serve as a foundation for aligning your value proposition effectively.
  3. Identify Overlapping Areas Once you have a clear understanding of your value proposition and business goals, identify the areas where they overlap. This involves finding the connection points between what makes your offering unique and the objectives you aim to achieve. For example, if your value proposition centre’s around exceptional customer service, and one of your business goals is to improve customer satisfaction, there is a clear alignment between the two. Identifying these overlapping areas will help guide your strategic decisions moving forward.
  4. Prioritise Alignment Opportunities Not all aspects of your value proposition may align perfectly with every business goal. It is crucial to prioritise alignment opportunities based on their impact and feasibility. Evaluate each overlapping area and determine the potential value it can bring to your business goals. Identify the areas that will have the greatest positive influence on achieving your objectives and focus your efforts on aligning those aspects first. This strategic prioritisation ensures efficient utilization of resources and maximises the chances of success.
  5. Refine and Adapt Your Value Proposition As your business evolves, it is essential to regularly refine and adapt your value proposition to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your changing goals. Continuously monitor market trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for improvement. Seek feedback from customers and stakeholders to gain insights into areas where your value proposition can be enhanced. By keeping your value proposition dynamic, you can better respond to market dynamics and stay ahead of the competition.
  6. Communicate and Educate Alignment between your value proposition and business goals should not remain confined to internal stakeholders; it must also be effectively communicated to your target audience. Craft compelling marketing messages that highlight the unique value your products or services offer in the context of your business goals. Educate your customers on how choosing your offering will help them achieve their desired outcomes. Consistent and clear communication builds trust, strengthens your brand, and reinforces the alignment between your value proposition and business objectives.
  7. Measure and Optimise To ensure ongoing alignment, establish clear metrics and measurement mechanisms to track the effectiveness of your aligned value proposition and business goals. Define key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly reflect the objectives you want to achieve. Monitor and analyse these metrics regularly to assess the progress and impact of your alignment efforts.Based on the insights gathered from your measurements, optimise your value proposition and business goals as needed. Identify areas of improvement, address customer pain points, and capitalise on emerging opportunities. Use data-driven decision-making to make informed adjustments that strengthen the alignment between your value proposition and business goals.
    1. Foster a Culture of Alignment Alignment should not be limited to a one-time exercise but rather ingrained in the culture of your organisation. Foster a collaborative and cross-functional environment where all teams and departments understand and contribute to the alignment between your value proposition and business goals. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and shared accountability. Regularly communicate progress, successes, and challenges to keep everyone aligned and motivated towards achieving the common objectives. Continuously learn and evolve. In today’s fast-paced business landscape, it is crucial to continuously learn and evolve to stay competitive. Embrace a culture of innovation and experimentation to explore new value proposition elements and business strategies. Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and customer expectations to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. By embracing a growth mindset and adapting to changing circumstances, you can proactively align your value proposition with emerging business goals.
    Aligning your value proposition with your business goals is a dynamic process that requires a deep understanding of your customers, a clear definition of your objectives, and ongoing evaluation and optimisation. By effectively aligning these critical aspects, you can enhance customer satisfaction, differentiate yourself in the market, and drive sustainable growth. Continuously refine and adapt your value proposition, communicate the alignment to your target audience, measure your progress, and foster a culture of alignment within your organisation. With these strategies in place, you will be well-positioned to achieve your business goals while delivering exceptional value to your customers.

sign up for our free newsletter for business protection and growth tips

More business risk management articles videos and profit enhancing ideas

BusinessRiskTV Business Risk Management Club Membership
Enterprise Risk Management Magazine BusinessRiskTV ERM Magazine
Common Business Risks BusinessRiskTV Risk Watch Online
Risk Management Think Tank BusinessRiskTV Risk Experts
Risk Management Jobs
Business Risk Academy
Business Risk Management Marketplace BusinessRiskTV
Business Agony Uncle
Business Cost Saving Ideas BusinessRiskTV Company Cost Saving Ideas
Risk Management Online BusinessRiskTV Understanding and Managing Risk Better

Aligning Value with Goals

How to value a business with BusinessRiskTV

What type of business valuation are you interested in?

Subscribe to BusinessRiskTV free risk newsletter and risk alerts today to inform your business decision-making in your country and industry.

Subscribe for free to businessrisktv Risk alerts

The price of a share does not tell you the value of a business. The type of business valuation is key in decision-making. What business valuation you are assessing will depend on why you are making a point of valuing a business:

  • The value of a business an employee will want will depend on why the employee is working for a business. Some employees live from pay cheque to pay cheque and regard the business to be worth merely the value of pay received each month or week. Other employees see a business as a stepping stone to next career progression and value the business reputation in the marketplace rather than a monetary value will be of more importance. Other employees want to be fully engaged in the mission of the business and need to be kept fully onboard with business plans to place positive value in the business.
  • Investors traditionally have sought capital appreciation, income or both from their investment in a business. Anything that detracted from profit or revenue generation may not have been welcomed. The proliferation of the Woke Society, if you are ungenerous or socially responsible if kinder, means that ethics social responsibility and good governance (ESG) has meant that many investors want better holistic enterprise risk management (ERM) performance. New jobs have even been created at board level to reflect this, such as Chief Impact Officer responsible for every process that generates any kind of social and environmental impact (as defined by the company’s mission and values).
  • Customers are valuing businesses differently. Many more consumers use their spending power to punish poorly managed businesses in field of ESG or ERM, and reward businesses performing well in the ESG or ERM arena. We used the word arena deliberately as ESG or risk management in general is now often used as a show pony or window dressing when in reality the business is performing badly in the real world of managing all business risks well.

Business leaders will respond to regulation of their business but in the heavily regulated world of financial services, for example, we still find yearly evidence of poor risk management by banks despite nearly two decades passing from the time the banks nearly sent the whole world tumbling over the abyss to total societal collapse due to the banks regulators and politicians failing to manage business risks holistically well in 2008.

Scanning Horizon For Business Threats and Opportunities
Scanning Horizon For Business Threats and Opportunities

More: Join our business experts in Business Risk Watch

Many are frightened that the next 12 to 24 months will see a long period of economic depression due to failure to manage risks well

Think inflation is bad now – you ain’t seen nothing yet! A food shortage will result in millions starving in 3rd world countries and hyper food inflation in 1st world countries. We are not going to starve but we are going to pay for poor business and economic risk management.

The share price of many businesses over the next couple of years are going to collapse. However, the same businesses value will not have fallen, just the share price. Investors including the person in the street through pensions will see the value of their retirement fund drop off a cliff. Employees will lose their pay cheque to pay cheque existence as many will lose their job. Consumers will pay more for the same or poorer products and services. What are you going to do to protect yourself?

More: Keep up to date with latest risk management news opinions and reviews along with tens of thousands of other people interest in better risk management

What can you do to manage the risks to business value?

How To Manage Business Risk
Steps To Managing Upside and Downside Business Risks Better With BusinessRiskTV Pro Risk Manager
  • Employees need to keep to keep abreast of the health of their employers business. They may even be wise to pick a different employer who is stronger if they can assess which businesses are strong and which businesses are weak.
  • Investors maybe better out of the marketplace, or keep up with regular investing. It is counter intuitive. However few can pick the moment of a bear market turning into a depression. The only good thing about a depression is that it will be a good time to invest! Likewise no one can identify the bottom of a market. One solution is to get out of the market but the other is to invest through the depression to get the benefit of the lows to compensate for the loss of the highs.
  • Consumers need to diversify to protect themselves from loss of money in one area. Cash is king just now. However globally governments are even destroying the value of cash in more ways than one! Real wealth is having enough money to pay for your lifestyle without needing to work, for as long as possible. You may outwardly have money but wealth is measured in financial freedom not in currency or other assets. The value of many perhaps most assets is set to fall.

Subscribe to BusinessRiskTV risk management news opinions and reviews for free

Business Risk Management Professionals Magazine ERM
BusinessRiskTV Enterprise Risk Management ERM Magazine
BusinessRiskTV.com Free Subscription Online
Subscribe to BusinessRiskTV.com for free

How to value a business with BusinessRiskTV