“Risk is a feature, not a bug.

Uncertainty and risk are ever present in major change programmes, and only by taking on risk can great things be achieved in the world. Why is it then, that risk and uncertainty are so often seen as negative or something to be avoided?“

“Even if you employ a specific Risk Manager, it is Programme Leaders who are accountable for addressing risk and uncertainty, for making important decisions and ensuring delivery of Programme Benefits. It is key for you to set the conditions for success and ask the right questions to increase the chances.”

“Major Programmes are, quite rightly, subjected to scrutiny by stakeholders. If the culture, routines and management information aren’t working effectively, it becomes very difficult for the Leader to assure stakeholders or ask for assistance or interventions from their Seniors. This can be a major source of discomfort and stress, and some Programme Leaders can feel like the programme is running them.”

“The feeling that risk management isn’t useful often leads to a situation where the team aren’t really on board with acknowledging, managing and communicating openly about risk… The culture can often be characterised by unrealistic expectations of certainty, leading to late disclosure of risk or variance that leaves the Leader vulnerable to surprises and firefighting.”