Sustainable risk management
There are risks in every industry. The Ecclesia Symposium provided impressive proof of this. In front of an audience of about 100 invited guests, risk management experts from various sectors spoke openly about their corporate risks and how they deal with them. Thinking outside the box makes it possible to rethink risk management, develop future-proof strategies and, above all, learn from each other.
What all sectors of the economy had in common was the use of established risk management tools. However, the respective application differed. At the Ecclesia symposium, participants were able to benefit from best practices in building a sustainable security culture.
Risk classification and the importance of experience in risk management
Companies must identify potential risks to their business models at an early stage and initiate appropriate countermeasures. The more complex a company is, the more challenging this task becomes. Christopher Landsberg, CEO of AG Zoologischer Garten in Cologne, reported on this at the Ecclesia symposium. As a first step, he clustered risk groups, then identified and classified their potential hazards and, based on this, created a detailed risk portfolio. The portfolio is the basis for all further risk management measures.
Dr. Joachim Wüst, lawyer, tax consultant and member of the board of the Cologne insurance company Grosse Kölner, takes a similar approach when categorizing the risks of the Cologne Carnival. In addition, Dr. Wüst has developed a deep understanding of the dynamics and nuances of the risks associated with the Rose Monday parade and the associated indoor events during the approximately 30 years of his active involvement in the carnival. This enables him to find innovative and flexible solutions that are specifically tailored to the respective risk situation.
Deficiency management through laws and initiatives
Despite the advantages that experience in risk management brings, Dr. med Ebru Yildiz systematically bases her work on regulatory procedures and standards. Dr. Yildiz is the managing director of the largest center for organ transplantation in North Rhine-Westphalia. Her risk management is characterized by a high degree of specialization. The organ donation process is documented down to the smallest detail. The law precisely defines who receives an organ and how potential donors are identified and reported. Supplemented by dynamic and preventive risk management, her company is fit for the future. The Center for Organ Transplantation is trying to minimize or eliminate risks at an early stage with various initiatives. These include preventive health measures, recruiting new organ donors and using the latest technology.
Simulation training – Who can find the error?
According to Frigate Captain Lars Gößing, the German Navy's 1st Submarine Squadron in Eckernförde relies on simulation training in both theory and practice. These play a central role in training and are designed to show whether a team can function at sea. First, submarine trips are trained on land. The team has to master simple and critical situations. Then it's off into the water with a prepared submarine. Among other things, the crew is confronted with the failure of technical safety systems. They have to analyze, evaluate and overcome mistakes. At the end, there is a review of the mistakes. Lars Gößing provides a prime example of sustainable risk management that promotes risk awareness and enables employees to openly address mistakes and the resulting risks. It is significant that he chose the title “Life under Pressure” for his presentation.
Jan Richter, Head of Strategic Corporate Development and Corporate Governance at BG Klinikum Bergmannstrost (Halle/Saale), goes one step further. At the end of an operation, his team not only looks at potential mistakes, but also discusses what went really well. A holistic reflection promotes a culture of continuous learning and appreciation. By highlighting positive and proven aspects, teams recognize and build on their strengths. In addition, successful strategies and behaviors can serve as a basis for standards.
What to do in the event of damage?
Risk management includes both prevention work and active crisis management. This aspect was addressed by Robert Drexler, head of Ecclesia Cyber. Using the example of a hacker attack, he presented the essential aspects of successful crisis management. According to Drexler, it is crucial to first analyze the situation and establish clear lines of communication. Transparent communication is essential to keep all parties involved informed and to avoid misunderstandings. It is equally important to define responsibilities. Clear structures and responsibilities help to successfully master a crisis situation and minimize the effects of the same.
WATCH THE FILM! You can see the event film of the Ecclesia Symposium 2024 here:qr.ecclesia.de/r/film-sym24