Developing Organizational Resilience

Financial downturns often prove the need for developing organizational resilience.

A survey of 4,700 companies found that 17% didn't survive the recessions of 1980, 1990, 2000. 9% focused on operational efficiency and thrived.

Operational resilience is the ability to adapt to long-term and incremental change. It keeps businesses from failing. It also creates a better culture and reputation.

Read our guide to learn how to improve your organizational resilience.

How Can You Build Organizational Resilience?

The first step is to identify and understand the sources of risk that may impact your organization. The second step is to develop an action plan for how your organization will handle a crisis situation.

Developing an organizational resilience strategy requires looking at every aspect of your business, from product development to customer service, with a focus on what might go wrong. It's important to know what resources are available in advance, as well as who needs to be contacted in case of emergency. You should also have plans for contingencies like natural disasters or cyber-attacks so there's no confusion during a time when people need clear direction most.

What is Organizational Resilience?

Organizational resilience is the ability of a company to maintain its viability and continue operations despite an event that would otherwise cause it to have an adverse effect. It can be seen as a measure of how well the organization's structure, policies, processes, and employees are able to adjust to change.

What Makes For Resilient Organizations?

Organizations that are resilient should be flexible enough in their structure and policies so they can make changes quickly without losing focus on their mission or values. They need strong leadership at all levels who model flexibility by adapting easily when new challenges arise.

Resilient companies also have clearly defined organizational goals with well-communicated strategies for achieving them; these provide orientation points during difficult times.

Developing Organizational Resilience

Organizational resilience measures how well an organization can respond and adapt to change and disruption. It's also known as business resilience.

Becoming a resilient business is possible if you know what to focus on. The most important characteristics include a willingness to change and the ability to protect all essential systems and employees.

Each of these factors needs to be part of your business resiliency framework.

A business resilience plan is not the same thing as a disaster recovery plan. It's a long-term that implements rules and best practices.

A business resiliency program determines what to do before and after a threat. It requires you to assess risk, develop priorities, and improve your culture.

Performing Risk Assessments

Developing organizational resilience starts with identifying and managing risk. Risk management is part of every business decision, whether you realize it or not.

Create a common language throughout each department for discussing risk. This change allows for more efficient problem-solving.

A risk assessment is a type of business review. It identifies where your weaknesses are so you can improve them. This makes it an important part of developing organizational resilience.

Measuring risk on your own is not always an easy process. Hire a qualified risk manager to perform risk assessments. They can also help you develop an effective business resilience framework.

Filling Key Positions

A resilient organization can identify and fill key positions. This prevents understaffing from interrupting daily operations.

Using the Proper Tools

Identify the most important tools your organization needs. Protect them like you protect your vital employees.

Developing Redundant Systems

Redundancy improves resilience in an organization. Create several copies of your vital records and systems. This lets you continue your work if you experience failure in a vital area.

Creating a Culture of Resiliency

Organizations must also develop a resilient culture. This begins with focusing on employees. Teach them how to adapt to high-risk or emergency situations. Provide the proper work environment to reduce burnout.

Benefits of a Business Resilience Plan

Planning allows your business to continue performing its most vital functions, and minimizing financial loss. It also improves your company's reputation. This increases the level of trust you'll earn from customers.

Where to Find Help With Business Resiliency Planning

Developing organizational resilience requires you to plan for, adapt, and respond successfully to every possible threat. Taking this extra time has long-term benefits including ensuring the long-term success of your company.

Black Fox Strategy offers risk assessment and strategic planning services. We can help you create an effective, resilient business. Work with us today.