How to Build a Bulletproof Risk Management Team in 2024
Risk management in 2024 is no longer just a safety net- it’s the foundation of any successful project, especially in network infrastructure rollouts. The evolving tech landscape means new risks emerge daily, from cyber threats to regulatory shifts. To stay ahead, executive managers need teams that are not just aware of these risks but proactively manage them. So, how do you build that team?
In my years as a project manager, I’ve learned that risk management is only as strong as the people behind it. It’s one thing to have plans in place, but without the right team, even the best strategies can fail. Let’s explore how to motivate your team to actively manage risk and, more importantly, how to hire the right talent for the job.
The Evolving Risk Landscape in 2024
The world of network infrastructure has changed drastically in the past decade, and with it, the risk landscape. A network rollout today doesn’t just involve laying down cables and installing servers. You’re dealing with a hyper-connected environment where even a single vulnerability can expose your entire operation to catastrophic consequences.
For example, AI-powered cyberattacks are becoming more prevalent and compliance regulations are stricter than ever. If your team isn’t staying ahead of these developments, your project could be in a state of failure before it even begins. That’s why it’s no longer enough to manage risks reactively; you need a team that can proactively manage risk before it becomes a project-halting problem.
Why Proactive Risk Management Matters
It’s important to understand that a network infrastructure rollout is fraught with risks from the outset. There are the obvious risks like technical failures, supply delays and budget restrictions, but in 2024 you also must contend with cyber threats, regulatory compliance and the usual evolving client expectations.
Let’s say you’re rolling out new network infrastructure for a large enterprise. If your team misses a critical security patch, your network could become the entry point for a major cyberattack.
The Ideal Team: Skills and Qualities to Look For
So, how do you ensure your team doesn’t make the same mistake? It starts with hiring the right people. In 2024, the ideal project team for managing risks in a network infrastructure rollout should possess the following skills:
1. Technical Expertise: Your team needs members who understand network architecture, cybersecurity, and the technical nuances of your project. Without this foundation, they won’t be able to spot potential technical risks, let alone address them. Look for certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or PMP (Project Management Professional) with a focus on IT infrastructure.
2. Risk Assessment Acumen: Being good at risk assessment means more than just identifying risks - it’s about knowing how to prioritise them. A team with strong risk assessment skills can distinguish between a minor technical glitch and a full-blown project success threat. For example, in a recent project, a network team member flagged a software incompatibility that could have caused a critical threat to project success had it not been addressed early. That’s the kind of talent you need.
3. Agility and Flexibility: Risks evolve, and so should your team. Network infrastructure rollouts are complex, with multiple moving parts. You need people who can adapt quickly to changes and pivot when new risks arise. Without a flexible team, those projects would have crumbled under the pressure.
4. Proactive Communicators: Communication is critical. Your team needs to be in constant dialogue about potential risks, not just with each other but with stakeholders as well and be confident that it’s OK to speak up. I can’t count the number of times a project has been saved because a team member flagged an issue early in a Project lifecycle. Building a culture of open communication can be the difference between success and failure.
Motivating Your Team to be Risk Proactive
So how do you ensure the team remains proactive? It’s all about creating the right environment.
1. Create a Risk-Aware Culture: Make risk management a daily conversation. In my teams, we have a “Weekly Strategic” meeting routine. Each Monday, we spend 30 minutes discussing the objectives of the week, together with the Top risk we’re currently facing. This simple practice keeps risk management at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
2. Empower Your Team: Give your team ownership over risk management. Don’t just delegate tasks; make risk identification and mitigation everyone’s responsibility. When team members feel accountable for risks, they’re more likely to act. I’ve found that this sense of ownership often results in creating proactive solutions.
3. Invest in Training: The modern risk landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s crucial to invest in regular training for your team. Whether it’s taking online courses or hosting internal workshops, make sure your team is equipped with the latest knowledge.
Leveraging Tools and Technology for Risk Management
In 2024, tools are an essential part of any risk management strategy. AI-driven platforms now provide predictive analytics that can identify potential risks before they materialize. For instance, tools like LogicManager and Risk Watch use machine learning to analyse project data and flag anomalies that could signal future problems.
Additionally, project management platforms like Jira and Monday.com now come with integrated risk-tracking features, allowing teams to document and monitor risks in real-time.
These tools not only streamline communication but also ensure that risks don’t fall through the cracks. If your team isn’t using these tools, they’re missing out on a major advantage.
Case Study: Proactively Managing Risk in a Real-World Rollout
A few years ago, I worked on a large-scale network infrastructure rollout as part of a major security upgrade for a Utilities company. From the outset, we knew that supply chain security would be a major concern, given the rollout was during Covid restrictions. We put together a team with a mix of cloud architects and network administrators with risk assessment experience.
Throughout the project, we maintained a rigorous risk management practice. One team member flagged the importance of robust CCTV hardware manufacturing selection. While it seemed inconsequential at the time, addressing it immediately saved us from a potential disruption that would have gravely affected confidence in the Project.
This experience solidified my belief that proactive risk management isn’t just a best practice - it’s essential for successful project delivery.
Conclusion: The Future of Risk Management is in Talent
At the end of the day, risk management comes down to having the right people in place and maintaining proactivity on risk management for the collective team. No matter how sophisticated your tools or how comprehensive your plans, your project will only be as strong as the team managing it.
As you look to hire talent for your next network infrastructure rollout, prioritise those who bring a balance of technical skill, risk assessment expertise, and proactive communication. Build a team that thrives in a risk-aware culture, and you’ll not only mitigate potential issues - you’ll position your project for long-term success.
In 2024, the future of risk management is here. The question is: do you have the right team to handle it?
