With cyberattacks, market volatility, and unexpected disruptions becoming more common, boosting operational resilience is essential for companies across all industries. From finance to healthcare to logistics, organizations are being urged to rethink their approach to risk management. The key is not just recovering from disruptions but ensuring operations continue to run smoothly even when the unexpected strikes.
According to experts, operational resilience requires a comprehensive review of various organizational elements: from finances to tech infrastructure, team dynamics to workplace culture. In particular, technology leaders are increasingly seen as central players in the resilience planning process. Below, members of the Forbes Technology Council weigh in with their top tips for enhancing operational resilience.
Adopt a Structured Approach with a Simple Framework
One of the main obstacles to building operational resilience is the lack of a clear strategy. According to Patrick Esposito, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, companies often struggle with planning simply because they do not make time for it. To overcome this, business and technology leaders should implement a disciplined, structured approach to their planning process. Using a simple framework will help them assess the risks, decide on appropriate actions, and implement the necessary changes to key areas of the organization.
Emphasize Resilience Across All Facets, Not Just Architecture
While robust tech architecture is often seen as the cornerstone of operational resilience, Kingsuk Chakrabarty from Estee Lauder Companies warns against viewing resilience as a solely technological concern. True resilience goes beyond having failover systems in place for critical infrastructure. It requires a focus on resilient people, adaptable processes, and technologies that support operational continuity. It’s important for leaders to recognize that human factors, business processes, and technology all play a role in ensuring smooth operations during disruptions.
Build Resilient Teams with the Right Training
Operational resilience isn’t just about having the right tools; it’s also about preparing the team for challenges. Experts recommend training employees across departments so they understand their roles in a crisis and can respond quickly when disruptions occur. According to several members of the Forbes Technology Council, investing in continuous training ensures that the workforce is well-equipped to adapt to new technologies and practices. Resilient teams can not only recover faster but can also minimize the impact of any unforeseen disruptions.
Invest in Cybersecurity as a Core Component of Resilience
As cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication, operational resilience cannot be achieved without a strong cybersecurity framework. Organizations should prioritize cybersecurity measures to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks that could disrupt their operations. Experts emphasize the importance of integrating cybersecurity within every level of the organization—both technical and non-technical staff need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to defend against potential threats.
Key Components for Cyber Resilience
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Regular security audits and penetration testing
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Employee education on phishing and other cyber threats
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Secure data storage and backup strategies
By embedding cybersecurity into everyday operations, businesses ensure they can withstand cyber threats and maintain service continuity.
Foster a Culture of Adaptability and Flexibility
Operational resilience thrives in an environment where adaptability is part of the organizational culture. Leaders must work to create a culture that encourages flexibility in responding to sudden changes or unexpected events. This involves fostering open communication, empowering employees to make decisions quickly, and supporting a growth mindset within teams. A culture that embraces change is a culture that can handle disruption more effectively.
Monitor and Analyze Key Metrics Continuously
Building resilience requires a proactive approach to identifying potential weaknesses before they cause major disruptions. Experts suggest that continuous monitoring and analysis of key performance metrics can help detect vulnerabilities early. By leveraging data analytics and performance dashboards, organizations can identify trends, gauge their operational health, and spot potential threats in advance. This helps ensure a quicker response when unexpected challenges arise.
Plan for the Worst, but Hope for the Best
When it comes to resilience, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive contingency plan in place. According to experts, organizations should develop disaster recovery plans and conduct regular drills to ensure the team is ready to act in the event of a crisis. However, it’s equally important to maintain an optimistic outlook and prepare for the best possible outcome. By balancing preparedness with a positive mindset, businesses are better positioned to handle disruptions without falling into panic.
Leverage Automation to Enhance Efficiency
One of the most effective ways to enhance resilience is by using automation to improve efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks, businesses can reduce human error and free up resources to focus on more critical operations. Automation can also speed up the recovery process during disruptions, allowing businesses to quickly restore services and minimize downtime.
