Adapting and Avoiding the Risks of Change

 

As I read through the blogs already in this portfolio, I realized that a lot of topics relate to changes that are occurring in the world - outside of our control.  And yet, we still need to be able to plan and manage our projects within this realm, within this land of ongoing change and adaptation. 

Amongst those changes already mentioned, there are shifts and improvements in technology, the collection and use of big data, the demand for transparency in performance, and as a result - an increased understanding, awareness, and ownership about the environment and its protection. 

Climate change, recognition of aboriginal and land ownership rights, social activism to support inequality and unjust treatment of people and the land, and changing consumer habits, are also impacting projects - people are starting to use their wallets to vote on what future products and processes will survive, and how they will need to do so.

It is interesting what you can learn, and the conflicts you face, when you work on two sides of the fence at the same time. On one side, a proponent of mining, oil and gas, and other industrial developments necessary to support wasteful consumer habits, growing global populations, and shifts to raise third world regions out of poverty.

On the other side, working as an ambassador for the environment, for social justice - for sustainability so that our future generations have a healthy and resourceful world to live in. Urging and influencing leaders and designers alike, to ensure that plans and decisions are based on that triple-bottom-line (economic, environment and social) combined.

The two "hemispheres" do not often connect, and when they do it is almost always a bumpy road to do so, although that too is starting to shift. More and more manufacturing companies, processors, and yes, even mining companies, are looking into what climate change, social movements and the circular economy will mean for their businesses - and taking action.

Will you be working on projects impacted by these shifts? If not yet, I'd say most definitely within the next 5 years. On all counts.

Do you foresee these potential risks and challenges to take into account when planning your projects? Will you pull out the opportunities to avoid these, by choosing to follow a more agile approach, building plans a little more iteratively, cautiously, and taking the time to make more informed decisions, for alternate and better choices?

Working in the mining and sustainability sectors for the past 20 years, involved with environmental protection, waste management, land rehabilitation, and looking for solutions to improve performance in all areas environmental has exposed me to a lot of insights, risks and opportunities. 

Sharing that knowledge, working with other disciplinary specialists, and bringing such perspectives into project planning is my current mission. If we're going to continue developing larger, more complex systems, let's try to get them right on the first try!

I will be at the upcoming PMI Global Congress from September 25-27th in San Diego. If you have any questions...book some time with me, ask me a question, and I'll see what I can do to help you out!