Here's how you can build resilience as an operational planner when faced with unexpected challenges.

Flexibility and adaptability foster resilience. One needs to first accept that there is a possibility of failure or resistance in reaching any set goal. With that in mind, proper planning and consideration should follow. A plan should consider all variables (i.e. environment, resources, time e.t.c) which exist in concept. The plan might be altered but never the goal. Break down the plan into SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives. Be flexible to restructure your plan at any stage. The conduct of operations will be limited to budget and resources. Operational planning requires good resource management and the flexibility to re-shuffle resources within the limits of the set budget to reach the set goal

Especially in public procurement one has to plan for resilience by establishing flexible procurement tools and where possible build it some redundancy through framework agreements with multiple vendors. The challenge is to keep the suppliers interested when the demand is low.

You should have a recovery strategies implemented for all third party/vendor regardless how critical they are, these should be part of BCP yearly sign off where the owners understand the risk specific for the critical dependencies with no strategy!

Resilience involves both strategic planning and operational adjustments. By proactively preparing for uncertainties, you'll be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges. Here are some strategies you can consider: ? Define Your Operational Resilience Strategy ? Analyze Your Operating Model ? Scenario Testing, Learning, and Monitoring ? Revisit Your Supply Base and Global Asset Footprint ? Digitize Operations End to End ? Transform Business Models

This is simply what leaders are paid to do. Anyone can incrementally improve a process or keep a system running. Only leaders analyze risk and make risk decisions to propel the organization forward. The ability to prudently and calmly assess risk and make the wise risk decision in times of uncertainty set leaders apart.

Well while prioritizing the risks we need to calculate the available resources we have at our disposal... And never get emotional to the existing plan of action even if most part of the plan is being executed.... Be meticulous about the expected and unexpected outcomes... Like I have added before the back up plan should have a back up

Begin by mapping out all conceivable risks and assessing their possible impacts and likelihoods. This comprehensive overview allows for the prioritization of risks based on their potential to disrupt core operations. Engage with different departments to ensure that risk perception is holistic and consensus-driven, fostering a cooperative approach to risk mitigation.

Understanding and prioritizing risk is fundamental for building resilience in any organization. In today’s rapidly changing business environment, the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks can make the difference between thriving and merely surviving. By recognizing potential threats and vulnerabilities, organizations can develop proactive strategies to minimize their impact.

Risk assessment is coupled to the potential impact to set objectives. In as much as objectives are prioritised so are the risks coupled to them. The risks should also be coupled with automated responses which are pre-planned for remedial actions while the plan is in motion. Time should be taken into consideration at all times. Budget must be set for remedy towards risks and prioritised accordingly. Always be prepared to face risk without tempering with the set budget. Conceptualise the risk together with the variables in your Operation. A good research is a handy tool towards risk analysis. Your plan should be able to absorb risk at all times. Set a plan that will allow good management of risk without a deviation from your set goal(s)

Communication is essential to the success of any operation. Assess the structure of your company and learn how information is filtered through all levels. Make use of all the channels available within your organisation to allow easy access and flow of information. Be mindful of over communicating your objectives. Allow for information security within various levels on your organisation. Clearly assess the type of information required to be communicated at each level and disseminate accordingly. Always be prepared to use all available platforms to disseminate information according to its sensitivity. See that the mission and vision are clearly and thoroughly communicated at all levels. Use all means of communication i.e. visual, audio e.t.c

As unexpected events arise, leaders need to be prepared to have honest, and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Identify and assess the new circumstances, and meet the challenges head-on. Great leaders remain calm, and take into consideration their team members’ perspectives. Encouraging and empowering your team to contribute to solving new complex problems opens communication, and allows them to realize their value and purpose. Understand that a “we” mentality will always outperform and outmaneuver a “me” mentality, and we have to be open, honest, and unafraid to communicate.

Establish multiple channels of communication that are reliable and easily accessible to all levels of the organization. Regular training on communication protocols can enhance preparedness and ensure that all team members can communicate effectively under stress.

Strengthening communication is essential for building resilience as an operational planner when facing unexpected challenges. Regularly update your team on project progress and potential issues, encouraging open dialogue to keep everyone aligned. Utilize multiple communication channels, such as emails, meetings, and instant messaging, to ensure clarity and accessibility. Actively listen to your team’s feedback and concerns, and respond promptly to foster trust and collaboration. By maintaining transparent and consistent communication, you create a supportive environment that enables your team to adapt and overcome challenges more effectively.

Clear communication and active listening are fundamental components of effective leadership, especially during uncertain times. They help to build trust, ensure alignment, and facilitate collaborative problem-solving, ultimately leading to more resilient and adaptive organizations.

Totally agree, this responsibility you need different departments at the table, collaboration is the key, because each area is looking from a different point of view, when you collaborate you will have a better operation resilience in place

Develop cross-functional teams that bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table, enhancing the robustness of operational plans. Regular team-building activities and collaborative projects can help strengthen interpersonal connections and trust, which are crucial in times of crisis.

a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and encouraged to share their ideas and expertise is crucial for any organization's success. When people feel appreciated and recognized, they are more motivated to contribute their best work, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. This sense of value leads to higher job satisfaction, which in turn boosts productivity and reduces turnover. Additionally, a supportive environment encourages open communication, allowing diverse perspectives to flourish and resulting in more creative and effective solutions.

Fostering teamwork is crucial, as working together can make even the most difficult tasks manageable. It not only enhances efficiency but also boosts morale and reduces stress by distributing responsibilities and sharing expertise. Ideally, teams should include members with diverse specializations to develop comprehensive solutions and anticipate potential risks. This collaborative approach not only improves the quality of solutions but also supports team cohesion, enhancing resilience and reducing the psychological impact of challenges.

Embracing a growth mindset is crucial for navigating today's fast-paced and ever-changing world. By viewing challenges as learning experiences, you transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and development. This perspective not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also builds the resilience needed to handle future uncertainties with confidence. When you adopt a growth mindset, you cultivate adaptability, persistence, and a proactive approach to life's challenges. This empowers you to stay ahead in your personal and professional journey, turning potential setbacks into powerful stepping stones towards success.

During an incident validate the strategies used and apply lesson learned to make it better, during an actual incident it’s real event so therefore it’s a test if the strategies you have in place is working or need another alternative

Each challenge presents a learning opportunity, so encourage teams to analyze outcomes and processes to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement. Establish mechanisms for feedback and reflection, such as regular debriefings and reviews of both successes and failures.

Every environment and every location offer a chance to learn… speak to local advisors and understand the challenges in that area. It might help you reevaluate your priorities - you will learn different approaches and strategies

Adopt the mindset of a special operations forces leader: forge cohesive teams of subject-matter field experts. Learn to thrive and embrace change while maintaining your core functionalities. Create a corporate culture so strong that the tempests of change break upon it. We are Rome! Adapt the best practices from your encounters, while sharing and strengthening your own control within your sphere of influence. Invest your vision with positive energy, and take care of your people. Demonstrate the importance of the roll that they each play as part of the overall success of your team by showing up, asking questions, sharing the load, and leading the way.

Find Allies. Create Coalitions of like-minded people to address specific challenges. Share. Learn. Be vulnerable enough to request assistance. Provide assistance when requested. Establish Mutual Assistance Agreements to face larger challenges and shared risk. A Coalition creates efficiencies and synergies that eclipse to accomplishments of the mere sum of the parts. We are better together.

In prolonged challenges (months or years), prioritizing health and wellness is crucial. From personal experience in extended operations, I learned that maintaining both physical and mental well-being is essential for resilience. Acknowledging and appreciating the team's dedication boosts morale and strengthens cohesion. Expressing gratitude for family support plays a pivotal role in sustaining resilience. Practical measures like providing welfare packs can significantly uplift morale, demonstrating organizational commitment to team well-being. By prioritizing team health, recognizing family support, and implementing practical initiatives, organizations can navigate long-term challenges while maintaining strong morale and resilience.