In Part 3, “The Missing Something”, I recommended holding an initial Risk Workshop at the beginning of the project.
Risk Workshops provide early identification of risks. The workshop is conducted as a brainstorming facilitated meeting with a Facilitator and note taker. The Kickoff Workshop should be conducted with representatives from all affected groups – from Senior Management to workers (Vice Presidents, Directors, CIO, line managers, solution specialists, production supervisors, etc.). The reason for having such a broad group is to ensure that the project risks and environment are articulated from across the organization. The discussion in such a disparate group will awaken awareness and possibly bring forward risks which may have been overlooked.
For example, I held a Kickoff Risk Workshop at the Headquarters of a major shipping company. The scope involved an overhaul of worldwide shipping activities by replacing and updating processes and the infrastructure needed to achieve the goals. Participants included C-level executives as well as operations and technical managers – all were subject matter experts in their areas of expertise. During a roundtable discussion, I asked what the impact would be if this project didn’t work or was not delivered on time. The CIO answered “I will lose my job” – an unexpected answer but one that focused all participants.
The activities of a Risk Workshop are
· Identify the Risks
· Quantify and prioritize the risks
· Develop risk responses
· Assign Actions and Owners
· Establish Periodic Reviews
