We learn, recover and move forward most effectively when we collaborate and work together. The Crowdstrike Crisis

Collaboration: The Cornerstone of Effective Business Continuity

We learn, recover, and move forward most effectively when we collaborate and work together. (Weston, 2024). This principle is particularly evident in the realm of business continuity management (BCM). While strong leadership is undeniably crucial, it's the collective effort and shared responsibility across an organization that truly builds resilience.

A Collaborative Approach to BCM

Effective BCM is not solely the responsibility of a designated team. It requires a holistic approach that involves every level of the organization. By fostering a culture of collaboration, businesses can identify vulnerabilities, develop comprehensive plans, and execute responses efficiently when faced with disruptions.

Key areas of collaboration within BCM include:

• Cross-functional teams: Bringing together representatives from various departments ensures a comprehensive understanding of business operations and dependencies.
• Vendor partnerships: Building strong relationships with suppliers and service providers can mitigate risks and facilitate a swift recovery.
• Industry collaboration: Sharing best practices and lessons learned with peers can provide valuable insights and support.

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Collaboration

While collaboration is essential, it requires strong leadership to thrive. Leaders must create an environment where:

• Open communication: Ideas are freely shared, and feedback is encouraged.
• Shared ownership: Responsibility for BCM is distributed across the organization, rather than solely resting on a dedicated team.
• Trust and respect: Team members feel valued and empowered to contribute.
• Empowerment: Employees are encouraged to take initiative and propose solutions.

Case Study: The Crowdstrike Outage

The recent Crowdstrike outage highlighted the importance of collaboration in responding to a crisis. Organizations that had established strong collaborative relationships with IT vendors, internal departments, and external partners were better equipped to manage the disruption and recover quickly.

In conclusion, collaboration is the bedrock of effective BCM. By fostering a culture of teamwork, shared responsibility, and open communication, organizations can significantly enhance their resilience and ability to navigate unexpected challenges.

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William Korsinah MSc (Oxon) SAFe SPC, ALP,