Top-performing owners and managers:
* rely more on their chief risk officers (CROs) for guidance and advice when developing and maintaining risk management programs and activities
* are involved more with their boards of directors in discussing potential risks and how to handle them
* focus more on emerging risks and strategic risks than day-to-day management of known weaknesses, leading to greater effectiveness and responsiveness when new risks emerge
* are at the head of the pack when it comes to analytics
* excel at recruiting and retaining employees, as well as training them
* face fewer obstacles with regard to board buy-in, employee skill and even budgets
Some of these factors are advantages that not all businesses enjoy. For instance, most managers and even owners find themselves up against budget constraints more often than not, especially where risk management is concerned. But other factors are clearly skills that can be developed and honed. For instance, getting bored buy-in might be easier if you take the time to develop ways to reward your board members in meaningful ways to let them know they’re valued. We’re not talking kickbacks here — just simple ways to let them know you appreciate their time, like a phone call or a thank-you card.
Likewise, learning how to screen employees during the hiring process and implementing effective ways to retain good employees are skills that can be learned. In fact, both of these factors — dealing with the board and handling employees — are people skills that involve a certain degree of insight. If you’re lucky, that insight comes naturally; if not, it’s certainly a skill worth cultivating.
