Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Angie Roberts, Director of Risk Management, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Angie Roberts is the Director of Risk Management for Beau Rivage Resorts/MGM Resorts International. She is a passionate leader with over 20 years of combined experience in finance, entrepreneurship, healthcare, marketing, and risk management. Her career has presented many challenges and opportunities, including earning a bachelor’s degree as a single parent with a full-time job.

Through this article, Angie Roberts emphasizes on how effective communication is essential for successful risk management, particularly in gaining support and participation from various teams within an organization.

Throughout my career in multiple industries and roles, effective communication has always been the fundamental key to success. This is especially true in Risk Management. One of the most difficult challenges of mitigating risks is encouraging others to participate and support the program. This includes internal and external team members alike. A Risk Management leader cannot do this alone. Risk Management leaders must be aware of the potential risks within the organization. It is equally important to communicate these risks with teams across the organization. Developing relationships and earning trust will help to encourage your team to support a robust risk mitigation program.

Many leaders have a variety of different methodologies and risk levels within their specific areas. Communicating with leaders to understand their operations is the first step in finding the most effective method of incorporating risk mitigation. It is important to implement processes without disrupting the performance of the area or undermining the integrity of operations. Once operations are understood, it is essential to educate the teams using the WHAT, WHY, and HOW methods. 

Teams should understand WHAT Risk Management is trying to accomplish. Risks come from an array of different angles and styles. Most people do not think from a Risk Management or Safety perspective. The focus tends to be on the day-to-day operations and individual duties. Many do not realize how simple tasks can create a loss of exposure. Teams should be made aware of the potential risks and the most effective way to mitigate them.

“Developing Clear And Concise Procedures On How Teams Can Mitigate Risks Is An Essential Tool In Attaining The Highest Level Of Successful Mitigation. Understand The Roles Your Audience Plays And Tailor A Program That Is Unique To Their Roles”

Teams are more likely to comply and participate in risk mitigation processes when they understand WHY they are implemented. Good communication skills can make or break the answer to that question. It is important to cater your communications to your audience. Help the team to understand the types of risk exposure in their area and how these exposures can lead to losses. It is also important to help teams understand how losses affect the organization’s profits and future growth, which could consequently impact employee growth.

Developing clear and concise procedures on HOW teams can mitigate risks is an essential tool in attaining the highest level of successful mitigation. Understand the roles your audience plays and tailor a program that is unique to their roles. This could be done with a variety of procedures and tools. Track trends in each area and raise awareness. Take the time to educate and inform teams while being available to assist when needed. Provide refresher training with real-life examples of loss.

When I stepped into my role as a Director of Risk Management, I had somewhat of an advantage. Having worked for the company for nearly eight years, I had already built strong relationships with many of the teams within the organization. As a Director of Risk Management, my accessibility and vigilance have garnered the trust and respect of my partners throughout the company. The use of the WHAT, WHY, AND HOW method to communicate has served me well throughout my career. Perhaps this method would bring value to your organization as well.