[BCM] Best Practices for Securing Management Support for BCM Initiatives

 

Management buy-in is crucial for successful business continuity management (BCM) initiatives.

 

To secure support, focus on the business impact. Quantify potential disruption costs and showcase how BCM minimizes them. Align BCM with strategic goals, demonstrating how resilience fosters adaptation and opportunity.

Next, promote early engagement. Approach senior leaders directly and build champions within the organisation. Transparency is key. Develop a clear communication plan and provide regular updates on progress and successes.

Finally, it emphasises BCM's return on investment. To manage budget concerns, it shows its cost-effectiveness and proposes a phased implementation.

Leverage industry best practices and highlight how BCM grants a competitive edge. By effectively communicating these points, you can secure the backing needed for a robust BCM program.

 

Here are some best practices for securing management support for business continuity management (BCM) initiatives within your organisation.

 

Translate BCM from a technical concept to a business imperative. Quantify the potential cost of disruptions using data on lost revenue, productivity, or reputational damage. Show how a strong BCM plan can minimise these impacts.

 

Demonstrate how BCM supports broader organizational objectives. Show how a resilient organization can better adapt to changing market conditions or seize new opportunities.

 

Do not wait for a crisis or disaster to get leadership on board. Approach senior managers directly and explain the importance of BCM.

 

Identify influential individuals within the organisation who understand the value of BCM and can advocate for its implementation.

 

Develop a clear communication plan outlining the BCM initiative's goals, benefits, and resource requirements. Present the information in a way that resonates with your audience, avoiding overly technical jargon. 

 

I often share this good practice with my participants about "Please Speak English to Your Management"

 

Regular updates inform management of BCM's progress and highlight successes, such as improved recovery times or mitigated risks.

 

 

When presenting your BCM plan, emphasise its cost-effectiveness. Show how it can save the organization money in the long run by preventing disruptions and minimizing downtime.

 

Propose a phased implementation approach to make BCM more manageable from a budget perspective. Start with the most critical areas and gradually expand the program.

 

Demonstrate that BCM is a best practice aligned with industry standards and regulations. This will add credibility to your initiative.

 

Highlight how a robust BCM program can give your organization a competitive edge by ensuring operational continuity during disruptions that might halt your competitors.

By following these best practices, you can effectively communicate the value of BCM to your organisation's leadership and secure the support necessary to build a strong and sustainable business continuity program.