[Implement] [OR-P2-S5] Improve and Communicate Lesson Learned

What is "Improve and Communicate Lesson Learnt"

Operational resilience is critical to any organisation's ability to withstand and recover from disruptions effectively. 

This article will delve into the last stage, "Improve Lesson Learnt", of the “implement” phase of the OR planning methodology.  

It emphasised the significance of cultivating a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation.

We'll explore how operational resilience parallels business continuity and crisis management, emphasising the importance of a resilient culture.

The Resilience Culture: A Key Ingredient

This final stage of the "Implement" phase of the OR operational resilience planning methodology may appear straightforward, especially if your organisation has a background in business continuity and crisis management.

However, it's vital not to underestimate the value of cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Like business continuity and crisis management, culture plays a pivotal role in operational resilience.

Your organisation's culture and mindset are paramount in ensuring that everyone understands the importance of operational resilience. It's crucial to avoid introducing operational resilience concepts on a need-to-know basis. Instead, aim to make them a part of the organisational culture, ensuring everyone understands their significance, from new hires during onboarding to seasoned employees.

Learning from Adverse Events

Promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement is vital. Doing so can enhance your organisation's ability to respond effectively to disruptions. Learning not only from your adverse events but also from those affecting your industry or competitors is essential.

Consider the example of a competitor experiencing an outage. Rather than viewing it as their problem, treat it as a valuable lesson. What did they do wrong, and how can you avoid making the same mistakes? Learning from others can save your organisation time, money, and reputation.

Remaining Relevant in a Changing Landscape

In today's fast-paced business environment, staying relevant is crucial for operational resilience. Disruptors are constantly evolving, and adapting to these changes is essential. Scammers, for instance, are continuously developing new tactics. If you do not stay ahead, you risk falling behind.

To remain relevant, review and update your policies and processes regularly. Automation is becoming increasingly prevalent, introducing new resource demands and challenges. Keep your processes aligned with your organisation's objectives and, where necessary, consider raising the bar on your tolerance for disruption.

Implementing a Self-Assessment for Improvement

One way to measure your organisation's operational resilience is through self-assessment. After conducting exercises or real-life events, engage in an after-action review (AAR). The AAR should cover what went well, what didn't go as well, and areas for improvement.

Self-assessment can serve as a yardstick to gauge your resilience efforts. It's crucial to self-reflect and identify where your organisation stands regarding resilience. Are you prepared to up the ante? Could you consider external validation, like inviting an audit? These assessments can provide valuable insights and drive continuous improvement.

Summing Up ...

In conclusion, operational resilience is not just about implementing plans and procedures; it is about instilling a culture of continuous improvement within your organisation.

You can enhance your operational resilience by promoting a learning mindset, staying updated on industry trends, and embracing change.

Remember that self-assessment is a powerful tool for improvement, helping you measure your organisation's progress and readiness for disruptions. In a dynamic business landscape, the ability to adapt and improve is what sets resilient organisations apart.

"Implement" Phase of the OR Planning Methodology