Applying risk management in work and at home – Rebranding Safety with John Pares

Overview

In a recent episode of the ‘Rebranding Safety’ podcast, John Pares engages in a compelling conversation with host James MacPherson, Director at Risk Fluent. They discuss the intriguing parallels between risk management strategies employed in professional settings and those applicable in our personal lives. By examining these connections, they shed light on how principles from one domain can inform and enhance practices in the other

Applying risk management at work and home – Rebranding Safety with John Pares

Risk management is an essential concept in the workplace and our personal lives. Nevertheless, many people fail to recognise their similarities. In a recent episode of the Rebranding Safety podcast James MacPherson sits down with John Pares, an experienced risk management consultant.  Together, they explore how structured risk management principles can be applied both at work and at home.

Their discussion highlights how businesses use systematic risk assessments to prevent accidents and ensure efficiency. This approach can be equally valuable in managing household risks. From parenting techniques that build resilience to preparing children for adulthood, this conversation shows how workplace strategies can translate into daily life.

The Link Between Professional and Personal Risk Management

John Pares explains that organisations meticulously analyse risks to ensure employee safety and operational efficiency. This approach is often included in risk assessments and safety protocols to show how potential hazards are identified and mitigated before they escalate. However, in personal life, many people abandon these methods and take a more reactive approach to risk management.

By incorporating the same mindset used in the workplace, individuals can better prepare for risks at home. For example:

Home Safety 

Periodic risk assessments can help you identify potential hazards. Similar assessments can prevent accidents at home, such as securing loose rugs to avoid falls or ensuring smoke alarms are functional.

Financial Risks 

Companies implement financial risk strategies to ensure sustainability. Families can learn from these principles by budgeting carefully, preparing for emergencies, and planning for long-term financial security.

Health & Well-being 

Organisations implement occupational health measures to prevent burnout. At home, we can apply similar strategies by prioritising mental well-being, maintaining work-life balance, and fostering open communication within families.

Risk management doesn’t have to be confined to corporate environments. It’s equally essential in our personal lives.

Parenting as a Leadership Exercise

One of the most thought-provoking discussions in the podcast revolves around how parenting and workplace leadership share common principles. John Pares suggests that being a good leader at work and being a good parent require similar skill sets, such as:

Communication 

Just as managers need to communicate expectations to employees clearly, parents should ensure that children understand their responsibilities and consequences.

Problem-Solving 

Leaders guide employees through challenges without giving them all the answers, fostering critical thinking. Parents can use the same approach by encouraging children to think independently and find solutions.

Resilience Building 

Good leaders encourage learning by allowing employees to experience manageable failures. Similarly, parents can allow children to experience small setbacks, teaching them perseverance and problem-solving skills.

By viewing parenting through the lens of leadership, individuals can raise children who are better prepared for future challenges, both in their careers and personal lives.

Preparing Children for the Real World

A significant part of the discussion focuses on how parents can help their children develop risk awareness and responsibility. Many parents take a protective approach, shielding their children from failure or discomfort. Nevertheless, Pares argues that children should be exposed to controlled risks to help them build resilience.

Giving children small responsibilities teaches them valuable life skills. These include:

• Managing their own schedule
• Budgeting their pocket money
• Handling minor conflicts

By gradually increasing these responsibilities as they grow, parents can better prepare their children for the real world.

Risk Management in Everyday Decision-Making

John Pares also discusses how risk management techniques help with decision-making in everyday life. When faced with choices, whether at work or home, using a structured decision-making process can help reduce uncertainty and improve outcomes. He outlines a simple approach:

1. Identify the Risk – What is the potential issue?
2. Assess the Impact – What consequences could it have?
3. Evaluate the Likelihood – How probable is it that the risk will occur?
4. Mitigation Strategies – What actions can be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk?

Using this method, you can make more informed decisions, whether you’re managing a work project or planning a family vacation.

The Power of Storytelling in Risk Management

Throughout the conversation, John Pares shares real-life examples of how risk management principles have played a role in both his professional and personal life. Storytelling, he explains, is a powerful tool for conveying important messages.

In the workplace, using relatable stories helps employees understand safety protocols on a deeper level. At home, parents can use stories to teach children valuable lessons about risk and responsibility in a way that resonates with them.

For example, rather than telling a child not to touch a hot stove, a parent may share a personal anecdote about a time they got burned. This will make the lesson more impactful.

Final Thoughts

The Rebranding Safety episode with John Pares shows that risk management is a skill that applies to all aspects of life. Whether in a corporate setting or a family home, identifying and addressing risks can lead to safer and more efficient environments.

Recognising the parallels between workplace risk management and everyday life, you can adopt a structured approach to decision-making, parenting, and personal well-being. You need to shift from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. You should also anticipate potential challenges and take steps to mitigate them before they become issues.