Risk management is an important and integral part of planning for any business or project. The process of risk management is designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of certain kinds of events happening or having an impact on the business. The much awaited London Olympic Games are not very far and Olympic authorities are leaving no stone unturned to minimize the disruption to business operations in London.
I would say this is a classic example of risk management operating at its best.
The website (getaheadofthegames.com) set up by the Olympic Authorities to help and support Londoners recommends that all businesses perform an impact analysis of the Games on their business, staff, deliveries, customers and visitors. Their interactive map provides details of expected delays and congestion at all stations and intersections within London
Based upon the advice and information given on the getaheadofthegames.com website, Knowledge Train has put together their own cartoon (at the bottom of the post) of a small project management guide containing a fictional risk analysis of staff travelling to work during the Games.
Humorous as it is, it highlights the importance of the subject and proactive addressing of the risks. As famous US General George S. Patton put it rightly “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.”
Businesses need to explore options and be prepared to face the challenges. One of the options is to check how many of their staff can work from home or alternative locations if needed. For business/projects which are not used to work remotely or with virtual teams, a few key principles if observed and some best practices followed will go a long way in ensuring to bridge the gap and make sure that the “virtual” or “remote” factor does not affect the project in adverse ways. It is also essential to follow certain ground rules for those working from home.
For some, this challenge will present an opportunity to rethink how they are working. Maybe some business will continue to use the learning’s way beyond the Games and transform the way they work.
Knowledge Train’s guide on travelling to work during the games
