If you've been a risk manager for a while, there are probably things you'd do differently if only you could go back in time. Even if not, we can all benefit from the perspective of those who have experienced the situations risk managers face daily. With that in mind, the slideshow above illustrates 10 ways that risk managers can be more effective in their role and seize more control over their career path.

Look to the future

Instead of reacting to the past, being prepared for what's next — whatever it may be — is always the right strategy. Risk managers who earn a seat at the C-suite table are giving special attention to the impact of future transformative events upon key dimensions such as talent, liquidity, technology and operations sustainability. They have already initiated a corporate dialogue on these issues and are thereby preparing their executive leadership team to anticipate and address them. The steps listed above may seem too extensive, demanding or difficult. Indeed, we all have to make decisions about work-life balance, what interests us, what we seek from our careers and how much change we are comfortable with. But we also need to recognize that reverting to the status quo, or putting things off until later, poses its own risk. Failure to grow, learn or change is not just limiting but hazardous. Sometimes, we adapt more quickly once we accept that being a bit uncomfortable can be an ongoing state of affairs. By being aware of the issues noted above and taking proactive steps to manage them, a risk manager can be more satisfied and effective on the job and better equipped to take charge of their career. Gary Pearce ([email protected]) is chief risk architect for Aclaimant, Inc., and a member of the NU Property & Casualty Editorial Advisory Board. See also:

• Podcast: What career opportunities does insurance offer the next generation?
• The best career you never considered
• A dozen ways to advance your insurance career
• Three tips for new insurance underwriters