[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Politics in career progression, in investments, in enterprise projects – but in business continuity as well?[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5341″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” image_hovers=”false” lazy_loading=”true”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You might think that business continuity was immune to such ideas – Either a business is functioning properly (BC works) or malfunctioning, possibly to the extent of breakdown (BC needs to be fixed). Yet the planning and processes of business continuity itself are subject to internal political pressure. Here are a couple of things you might reflect on, so that at least you can BC manage around them, even if you can’t prevent them.
Long-standing business continuity vulnerabilities can be difficult to handle, when their longevity is due to senior managers deliberately turning a blind eye.
Putting such risks into the spotlight can be seen as a threat to the credibility and reputation of those who chose to ignore it. The only way to address such risks correctly may be to gather suitable data, and present it to those who need to know or who should know better, being ready to take it to higher levels if necessary.
This isn’t only because this is the right thing to do (which is already enough of a reason). It is also because if the risk materializes, your position as a business continuity manager may also become distinctly uncomfortable.
Witch hunts can develop inside an enterprise too, with business continuity investigations turning into an excuse for one individual or entity to attack another, and not necessarily for the good of the enterprise.
You may need to play a peace-keeping role in such instances, once again making sure you have all the facts at your disposal.
Getting the facts may take a good dose of diplomacy as well, as fact-finding missions can themselves be interpreted as attempts to “pin” problems on the people called on to provide the data and answer the questions.
But that’s all part of business continuity and life inside the enterprise, so start getting those soft skills into shape, as well as keeping your technical expertise up to scratch![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]