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Risk monitoring is an integral part of enterprise management, yet it’s a practice often overlooked or underdeveloped by many organizations. In a recent episode of GRC Chats, we had the pleasure of diving into this critical topic with Carol Williams, CEO of Strategic Decision Solutions and a thought leader in enterprise risk management. Carol shared her expert insights on how organizations can better monitor risks, align their strategies with business objectives, and leverage monitoring as a competitive advantage. Let’s explore the key takeaways from her discussion.

Why Risk Monitoring Matters

Monitoring isn’t just about keeping tabs on risks—it’s about understanding how risks align with your organization’s objectives and the broader business ecosystem. As Carol described, risk monitoring should involve:

  • Action Plans: Monitoring action plans tied to specific risks ensures that responsibilities, milestones, and timelines are being met.

  • Key Risks: Focusing on high-priority risks that could significantly impact organizational success.

  • Objectives: Assessing whether the company is on track to achieve its mission and strategic goals within the desired timeframe.

  • Context: Considering internal and external factors, such as cultural shifts, regulatory changes, and market dynamics, that influence risk and decision-making.

The Bull's-Eye Approach to Risk Monitoring

Carol introduced a helpful analogy of a bull’s-eye to conceptualize risk monitoring. The center of the bull’s-eye represents actionable steps tied to specific risks—these are the immediate priorities requiring attention. As you move outward, the focus expands to monitoring broader risks, organizational objectives, and finally, the internal and external context in which the company operates.

This layered approach ensures that monitoring is comprehensive yet manageable, guiding decision-makers to concentrate on what truly matters at each level of the organization.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One significant issue Carol highlighted is that many organizations stop at the reporting stage, treating risk management as a periodic exercise rather than an ongoing process. Without continuous monitoring, it’s challenging to identify changes or trends that could affect organizational performance.

To address this, Carol emphasized the importance of establishing business metrics—both internal and external—that allow for consistent tracking over time. Monitoring these metrics provides clarity on whether trends are positive or require intervention, offering executives actionable insights to maintain or improve performance.

Practical Tips for Successful Monitoring

For those new to risk monitoring or looking to refine their approach, Carol shared simple yet effective tips:

  • Start Small: Focus on a few key objectives or risks to avoid being overwhelmed. As Carol put it, “Baby steps are important.”

  • Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating the process. Straightforward, actionable plans are more likely to succeed.

  • Assign Clear Responsibilities: Define who is responsible for each action plan, set milestones, and hold individuals accountable.

  • Use Metrics: Establish measurable indicators to track progress and identify trends, ensuring that monitoring leads to meaningful insights.

Building a Culture of Continuous Monitoring

Ultimately, risk monitoring should become an integral, ongoing part of your organization’s operations. By aligning monitoring efforts with business goals and making them part of the everyday decision-making process, you can create a culture that is proactive, adaptable, and resilient.

Final Thoughts

Risk monitoring is not a one-time task—it’s a dynamic process that requires attention, foresight, and adaptability. As Carol aptly noted, “Don’t try to monitor too much. Start small and add on over time.” By adopting a structured, step-by-step approach, organizations can improve their monitoring practices, enabling better decision-making and long-term success.

Are you ready to rethink your approach to risk monitoring? What steps will you take to ensure it becomes a core part of your business strategy? Let us know in the comments below! 😊

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Ece Karel - Community Manager - Global Risk Community

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