Defensively Managing Risks in Situations [video]

Risk has many shapes. You can be at risk from another object or entity, and seconds later, you can also create risk for another object/entity. Many years ago, Shell had a big billboard at Rumukrushi Port Harcourt with “Drive for others; become a defensive driver*”.

That takes me to the construct of co-opetition and win-win where dominance is not the desired outcome, but mildly thriving together within the spirit of ubuntu. These animals did a very dangerous crossing, posing risks to the motorists. The motorists also posed risks to them, especially if there are signs with “watch for animal crossing” as you see on such roads. The issue now is who enforces that order; it comes down to the motorists since only the motorists can drive defensively!

When we have that mindset, that if we get OUR job done, most things will be fine, systems advance. Yes, most times, focusing on our core responsibilities and knowing that executing those responsibilities will shield the company from the risks created by the other person, we advance the corporate mission. But if we focus on who’s wrong and right, many bad things could happen. Indeed, actions we take at work (like the motorists who stopped) can make a dangerous move (crossing a highway) suddenly have lesser terrible consequences.

*Defensive driving is “a set of safe responses to potential hazards, including other drivers, damaged road surfaces, debris, inclement weather, and more”.

Comment on Feed

Comment 1: Well said prof. Most times, human emotions lead us astray. One is particularly angry that the other keeps defaulting without being punished. Even though it never affected his own wellbeing or activities, he decides to take an action that would cripple an entire process, just to draw attention to the other person’s wrongs.

As you said, win-win is the goal. Nobody should take the upright for a fool, nobody should play too smart because everyone is equally smart.

Most importantly, two wrongs never make a RIGHT

Comment 2: The dynamics of our work are deeply shaped by both environmental factors and the established systems within our organizations, which serve as the context for our operations. Opting for collaboration and fostering mutual support, rather than engaging in intense competition, frequently results in a significant enhancement of our collective productivity.

Undoubtedly, a harmonious teamwork approach paves the way for achieving more significant accomplishments in both our individual careers and the organizations we belong to.

Risk has many shapes. You can be at risk from another object or entity, and seconds later, you can also create risk for another object/entity. Many years ago, Shell had a big billboard at Rumukrushi Port Harcourt with “Drive for others; become a defensive driver*”.

That takes me… pic.twitter.com/gqvqES9DGK

— Ndubuisi Ekekwe (@ndekekwe) August 19, 2023

Comment 3: Prof. I quite understand your analogy here but it can be very discouraging in cases where those saddled with such responsibilities takes home fat envelopes. Should the ones who take home peanuts continue to save the company? What do you advise in situations like this? Those that take peanuts home should continue to clean the mess of those that take fat envelopes home?

My Response: The message is DO YOUR JOB and if you do it well, that could save the business irrespective of all the actions from others. Indeed, you have to have confidence that doing your job will have an impact. Like a defensive driver, being great on the road saves you and the reckless driver. But that does not mean you cannot have a reckless driver.

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