In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, having a strong leader, especially in the Risk & Security arena, is crucial for organisations to effectively navigate the challenges of cybersecurity. But how can organisations identify and appreciate the presence of such a leader? Here are the top 10 signs that indicate the strength of a Risk & Security leader and the positive impact they bring.
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Top 10 Traits of Risk & Security Leaders in India 2023
1. Strategic Thinking and Planning:
An exceptional Risk & Security leader provides vital guidance and direction to security organisations. They adeptly prioritise risks and threats that pose the greatest impact on the business, developing comprehensive strategies to mitigate them. By formulating targeted initiatives aligned with the organisation’s security posture enhancement, these leaders enable their teams to implement a cohesive plan with unwavering focus.
2. Methodical Progress:
They understand the importance of a strategic and methodical approach. They steer their teams towards defined goals and objectives, emphasising consistent progress over hasty reactions to transient distractions. Informed decision-making, supported by accurate data analysis, ensures course adjustments while maintaining alignment with the organisation’s core security focus.
3. Meticulous Documentation:
Unparalleled security leaders foster a culture of openness and transparency, emphasising the value of comprehensive documentation. From strategic plans to processes and playbooks, meticulous documentation becomes the cornerstone of a resilient security framework. This commitment to documentation not only enhances morale and the organisation’s security posture but also allows for constructive reviews and improvements to policies and processes.
4. Actions Speak Louder:
Distinguishing themselves from mere talkers, they exceptionally demonstrate their prowess through action and tangible results. Their pragmatic focus drives forward the state of security programmes across all fronts. Leadership, strategic thinking, and execution capabilities are showcased through decisive action, leaving an indelible impact on the organisation’s security landscape.
5. Effective Communication Skills:
To elevate the security team’s value, they recognise the criticality of effective communication. They invest time in understanding diverse security issues and topics, enabling them to convey complex concepts with clarity. By fostering understanding and cooperation between the security team and the broader business, these leaders ensure that accomplishments are duly appreciated and objectives are aligned.
6. Talent Nurture and Promotion:
Great security organisations thrive on exceptional talent. Strong leaders cultivate an environment that nurtures and promotes individuals who believe in the organisation’s mission. By fostering continuous skill development, providing engaging challenges, and inspiring confidence in leadership, these leaders assemble formidable teams capable of surpassing security expectations.
7. Selflessness:
An exceptional leader prioritises the team and mission above personal accolades. They willingly shoulder responsibility when mistakes occur, while generously attributing success to their team. This selfless conduct fosters unwavering confidence among the security team and permeates throughout the broader business, inspiring a shared dedication to the team’s mission.
8. Timely Decision-Making:
Acknowledging the complexity of decision-making, strong Risk & Security leaders recognise that indecisiveness breeds paralysis, detrimental to the organisation’s security posture. In the face of uncertainty, they make timely and informed decisions, taking calculated risks for the team’s benefit. Their ability to navigate ambiguity and make tough calls propels the security organisation forward.
9. Directly Addressing Tough Questions:
A strong security leader understands the value of openness and transparency. They embrace the challenge of tough questions, recognising the importance of providing direct answers. This commitment fosters an environment where truth prevails, and all questions, no matter how difficult, are welcomed. Such an environment forms an integral part of a robust security program, empowering the team to address critical concerns openly and proactively.
10. Giving Credit Where It’s Due:
These leaders prioritise the success of their teams over personal recognition. They understand that tangible results speak volumes, allowing the data, numbers, and accomplishments to tell their story. Unfettered by the need for personal acclaim, these leaders readily acknowledge and give credit to individuals within the security team and across the wider business. By recognising and appreciating contributions, trust is built, and a culture of collaboration flourishes. This, in turn, motivates individuals to align their efforts with the Risk & Security leader’s vision, ultimately bolstering the organisation’s security posture.
In the face of the Great Resignation, organisations have the power to control certain factors that contribute to employee attrition. By placing a strategic focus on retaining strong leaders within their security teams, organisations can cultivate a motivated and fulfilled workforce. This, in turn, leads to lower attrition rates, heightened team effectiveness, and an enhanced security posture. As organisations navigate this transformative period, investing in strong leadership becomes a crucial step towards building resilience, inspiring loyalty, and safeguarding their future in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Company Name | Person Name | Designation |
Vice President - Risk Operations | ||
AVP- Admin & External Affairs-Balco and Chief of Security & Intelligence Aluminium Sector Vedanta | ||
Global Head - Cybersecurity Practice and CoE | ||
Deputy Vice President - Head Of Security/ Vigilance/ Hospitality/ Facilities | ||
Director - Head of services - Finance & Risk, SAP Fioneer India | ||
DGM & Department Manager - Administration, Security and Liaison | ||
Director-Risk, Compliance & Information Security | ||
Head of Internal Audit, Member of Risk Management Committee & Disciplinary Committee | ||
VP Security | ||
Asiapac Cybersecurity Services Leader |