Category: Thought

Competency: Managing Risks

Competency Definition: The ability to identify risks and take action to reduce their likelihood or impact in order to protect people, resources, and long-term goals.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: MRi - 26


Managing Risks

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Fails to recognize obvious risks; does not conduct assessments or misses key threats
  • Misinterprets risk implications or does not analyze potential consequences
  • Applies generic or outdated mitigation strategies without tailoring to specific situations
  • Fails to communicate risk in a timely or organized manner; withholds updates or delays reporting
  • Neglects to monitor existing risks or fails to follow up on assigned mitigation steps

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Identifies common risks within scope of work and considers their root causes
  • Uses basic quantitative or qualitative tools to analyze risks; considers impact and likelihood
  • Creates mitigation plans that address identified risks; adapts plans when new information emerges
  • Communicates risk findings and updates through standard reports or briefings
  • Tracks risks over time, adapts strategies as conditions change, and applies insights from previous challenges to improve future response

Exceeds


Applies the competency independently in challenging or high-impact situations, adding value or insight

Exceptional


Demonstrates subject-matter expertise, serves as a role model, and elevates standards.
  • Detects early warning signs of emerging risks; evaluates organizational impact
  • Uses advanced techniques (eg, scenario modeling) to understand risk interdependencies and cascading effects
  • Designs multi-layered mitigation strategies that align with strategic objectives across divisions or projects
  • Leads cross-functional discussions that challenge assumptions and assess risks across teams, programs, or departments
  • Strengthens the agency’s ability to respond to future risks by embedding feedback loops and applying proven risk practices