What do you do if different departments or teams in Risk Management clash?

Risk management conflicts can arise from various factors like differing objectives, communication silos, resource competition, and personality conflicts. To address these, cross-functional teams should be formed, regular meetings should be scheduled, and a shared risk management platform should be implemented. A comprehensive risk management framework should be developed, department roles defined, prioritization established, and a collaborative culture promoted through team-building activities and recognition programs.

In my experience, clashes among multiple teams collaborating on outcomes are quite common, often resulting in overlooked tasks. Establishing cross-functional platforms or meetings moderated by an independent team allows representatives from all teams to engage, discuss, and resolve issues together. Implementing a clearly defined risk management framework, with well-defined ownerships, helps prevent biases and assumptions, minimizing ambiguity. Cross-training workshops and regular progress-tracking meetings are vital for fostering collaboration and maintaining alignment. Identifying shared goals, such as organizational success, can turn conflicts into productive collaborations.

Addressing conflicts in Risk Management involves a thorough understanding of underlying issues and implementing structured solutions. Key steps include facilitating open dialogue to air concerns safely, aligning all teams on shared goals to minimize friction, and revising processes and incentives that contribute to conflict. Regular feedback loops are also crucial, allowing for continuous adjustments and strengthening the overall risk management strategy.

Find out root cause behind the clash, which can help us tailor our approach. Create a safe space for all to raise voice & encourage active listening. Encourage collaboration & define clear roles and responsibilities. Ensure that everyone understands their contributions to the overall risk management strategy. Arrange cross-training sessions or workshops where teams can learn about each other's expertise. Implement Conflict Resolution Strategies. Recognize and reward collaborative efforts to reinforce desired behaviors. Schedule regular meetings to review progress and gather feedback from teams. If conflicts persist, enlist the support of senior leadership or influential champions within the organization.

Seeking common ground is essential for transforming conflict into collaboration within risk management. A strategic approach involves identifying shared goals such as compliance, risk minimization, and organizational safety, highlighting unifying values and principles, and standardizing tools and practices to ensure consistency across teams. By focusing on these elements and fostering integrative solutions, organizations can create a collaborative environment that enhances the effectiveness of their risk management efforts and reduces internal conflicts.

Negotiating and compromising within Risk Management are crucial for finding mutually satisfactory solutions. Effective strategies include balancing team needs and preferences, openly discussing trade-offs, and utilizing individual strengths. By exploring multiple options and aiming for win-win outcomes, organizations can foster a collaborative environment that leads to innovative and effective risk management solutions.

I’m a big advocate of collaboration between different departments in risk management. By breaking down silos and fostering cross-functional collaboration, organizations can enhance their ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks comprehensively. When people from diverse expertise come together they pool their knowledge and insights, resulting in a more thorough understanding of potential risks and more effective resolution to the problem.

Document and track risk managent. This will promote accountability and transparency. Also carrying out review and neccessary update helps in management of risk