So much to think of for the manager in this time of Disruption - the issues created cause most concern for the new manager and the small to medium sized business. Once upon a time a manager starting out in a new business could merely focus on the startup, the technical issues of getting finance and creating value for customers. Likewise the new manager could focus on the department or business performance.
Disruption creates so many more new issues for the manager to monitor and control - Disruption effects may be dangerous for the new (or any) manager to ignore. The manager of any area or business today needs to be conscious of and have processes, policies and controls to prevent, monitor, protect and assess :-
- scams and data hacks
- social media reputation
- loss of information
- data integrity and data leaks
Fair to say you are a manager due to your skills and experience - those skills may not include data management, IT infrastructure, fire walls, social media etc. Now you may have a go and set things up if you are a small business starting out - but as the business grows it is likely that your risk on such matters will increase beyond your skill set - the risk may cause concern to shareholders, banks and staff or may even risk the business future.
It is advisable that business owners, department managers or managers generally, assess their controls regularly - not just the financial ones that the audit team or accountant requires. Disruption occurs from unpredictable directions, often with fast pace, uncertainty and high risk - assessing controls through the lens of stability is no longer appropriate. New un-thought of exposures and risks will emerge - it will not be a good look to say that "you did not know" when a control is broken and losses ensue.
It may be best to have a Disruption assessment, appoint an independent team or seek professional advice - these appointments may allow your organization to focus on Disruption specifically by those knowledgeable about the topic. The skill sets required are not merely an IT department as risks can be multidimensional - needing business skills, analysis and many more angles to be considered. By appointing professionals to work on Disruption controls you will be free to continue on building your organization in other ways. Failure to address and consider Disruption will likely increase your vulnerability to attack by scammers and from new means potentially leaving your reputation in tatters.
Changing the mix of skills in your organization may be required - what governance and internal control checks are under threat ? what will need to be changed or added in response ?
If you are a Leader or seeking to be one in the future - you need to read, read, read about Disruption NOW ! Those that fail to understand and adjust will fall behind.
Feel free to ask Dr Mat over a chat or email on Leadership, Management or change issues, advice, consulting or mentoring that you may seek.
These and other related topics feature in Dr Mats upcoming book titled "Leading and Managing Change in the Age of Disruption and Artificial Intelligence" - written for the modern professional, student and academic wanting to be ahead on modern Leadership and Management issues. Available through Amazon and other book sellers from May 24th 2019 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1787563685 . This book has been strongly endorsed so use this link to review the endorsements - consider buying this book or recommend it to colleagues or others.
Consider your own specific situation and seek professional advice before acting directly in reaction to any of the tips on this website, they are intended as general advice only.