How can you develop your risk management skills over time?

1 Assess your current level

The first step to improve your risk management skills is to assess your current level of competence and confidence. You can do this by taking a self-assessment quiz, asking for feedback from your peers or mentors, or reviewing your past performance and outcomes. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your areas of improvement and development. You will also be able to set realistic and specific goals for yourself and track your progress over time.

3 Apply what you learn

The third step to improve your risk management skills is to apply what you learn in your daily work and projects. You can do this by using risk management frameworks, methods, or templates to plan, execute, and review your tasks and activities. You can also use risk management software, apps, or tools to facilitate your risk management process and documentation. You will be able to practice your risk management skills in real-life scenarios and situations. You will also be able to test your assumptions, hypotheses, and decisions and learn from your results and feedback.

4 Seek feedback and coaching

The fourth step to improve your risk management skills is to seek feedback and coaching from others. You can do this by asking for constructive criticism, suggestions, or recommendations from your colleagues, managers, clients, or stakeholders. You can also seek mentoring, coaching, or guidance from a senior or expert risk manager or leader. You will be able to receive honest and helpful feedback on your risk management performance and outcomes. You will also be able to learn from their experiences, perspectives, and wisdom and improve your risk management approach and style.

5 Reflect and improve

The fifth step to improve your risk management skills is to reflect and improve on your risk management practice and results. You can do this by conducting a self-evaluation, a post-mortem, or a lessons learned session after each risk management activity or project. You can also use a journal, a portfolio, or a dashboard to document your risk management achievements, challenges, and learnings. You will be able to assess your risk management progress and impact. You will also be able to identify your gaps, errors, or opportunities and make necessary adjustments and improvements.

6 Challenge yourself

The sixth and final step to improve your risk management skills is to challenge yourself to take on more complex and uncertain tasks and projects. You can do this by volunteering, applying, or proposing for new or different roles, responsibilities, or initiatives that involve higher levels of risk and reward. You can also join or create a community, a network, or a group of risk management enthusiasts, professionals, or leaders. You will be able to stretch your risk management skills and capabilities. You will also be able to exchange ideas, insights, and support with other risk management practitioners and enthusiasts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?