A Better Way of Managing Major Risks

In trying to identify all the risks a firm faces, managers can turn risk management into an overwhelming paper-processing exercise that distracts them from focusing on the risks that really matter -- namely, strategic ones that threaten the firm's existence. By not being able to grasp the assumptions and limitations of complex and costly Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) tools and models, managers may be operating under a false sense of security. Based on their research on firm risk-taking and risk management, the authors offer nine practical suggestions to help managers make the risk function more meaningful and relevant. A healthy dose of skepticism, prudence and resilience will go a long way toward helping your firm see the forest rather than the trees.