When Every Employee Is a Risk Manager - Lloyd Emerson Johnson

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3 min readMay 20, 2023

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Image from Unsplash by Edge2Edge Media

As someone who is deeply passionate about risk management, I find tremendous inspiration in the article “When Every Employee Is a Risk Manager” published in the Harvard Business Review by Kurt Meyer, Anette Mikes, and Robert S. Kaplan. This thought-provoking piece resonates with my own beliefs, emphasizing the crucial role that every individual within an organization plays in identifying and mitigating risks.

“Risk identification, assessment, and mitigation requires a continuous flow of information and monitoring by managers up, down, and across the organization.”

The article’s core message, one that I wholeheartedly embrace, is the transformative power of a risk-aware culture. It underlines the significance of instilling a shared responsibility for risk management across all levels and functions of an organization. To me, this is an opportunity for employees to become proactive risk managers, constantly scanning their environment for potential hazards and taking preventive measures.

“​​Make efficient use of everyone’s time.”

What truly ignites my passion is the notion that empowering every employee as a risk manager fosters a heightened sense of engagement and commitment to the organization’s well-being. When individuals at all levels are encouraged to voice concerns, share insights, and collaborate on risk mitigation strategies, it cultivates a collective intelligence that can uncover blind spots and drive innovative solutions.

I firmly believe that risk management is not a siloed function relegated to a select few, but a mindset that permeates the entire organization. By fostering a culture that values risk awareness, organizations can tap into the diverse perspectives and experiences of their employees, enabling a more comprehensive and holistic approach to risk identification, assessment, and response.

“Psychological safety around risk reporting is, as a solid body of research indicates, essential to the speak-up culture that is the oxygen of risk management.”

The article also highlights the importance of providing employees with the necessary tools, knowledge, and training to become effective risk managers. As a passionate advocate for risk management, I am committed to continuous learning and development, keeping abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging risks. This way, I can contribute actively to risk discussions, raise awareness, and support the implementation of robust risk management strategies.

“Establish the tone at the top for risk visibility and accountability.”

In conclusion, the article serves as a powerful reminder that risk management is not solely the responsibility of a specific department or role — it is an ethos that should infuse every aspect of an organization. With a passionate commitment to risk management, I am dedicated to empowering myself and my colleagues to be vigilant risk managers, fostering a culture that promotes proactive risk identification and response, ultimately driving organizational resilience and success.

Read the original article here.

Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn.

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About Lloyd: Lloyd Emerson Johnson is a results-oriented strategic advisor. With over 40 years of international, broad-based experience, Lloyd considers various disciplines in his approach to management and board governance. Through effectively evaluating all corners of a business, Lloyd Johnson has reinvented the roles of a strategic partner and stakeholder champion. He is a creative visionary who transforms businesses to be effective throughout all of their operations and finances. The pragmatic leader specializes in risk management and ensuring that businesses are prepared for uncertain circumstances.

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