Risk Management Tips for Structural Engineers October 5, 2007

Putting Risk Management in Perspective
If risks on a project are inappropriately addressed or prioritized then time and resources can be wasted on things not likely to occur. It is possible to spend too much time managing and assessing risk and diverting resources that could be used more effectively elsewhere. If you decide the risk is unlikely to occur the best solution just might be to retain the risk and deal with the consequences if something should happen. Risk management is a tool to be used and should not become the tail wagging the dog.

Time Management: Not What to Do but What Not to Do
There are more resources available on time management for you to read than you have time to read them. We flagellate ourselves with what I need is more self-discipline. A tightly constructed daily schedule does not yield to emergencies and things that run longer than anticipated. When something does happen and it inevitably will, the schedule falls further behind and the temptation arises to scrap the time management schedule or try something else. Do not put too much faith in self-discipline and/or a schedule with precise time periods. Remain flexible; be there for people, sooner or later a solution will present itself.

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Do Not Confuse Activity with Achievement. We have all seen the Type A person running around busy, busy with not enough time to do everything that needs to be done. You see them a lot. They are always on the move and almost always in a hurry. Frequently they spend a lot of time on unimportant items and dwell upon trivial matters. But what is actually being accomplished? It is said that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Look to the employees that move purposely and speak with effect. They are the ones that are doing the work.

Promises Impossible to Keep
High fees have been earned by lawyers trying to extricate business people from promises they made that were impossible to keep. For example promising insurance coverages to clients you can’t obtain. Nor should you give advice to your client about insurance or bonding if you do not have expertise in those areas. Many a fee has been withheld by failure to have the proper insurance certificate required by the contract.


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