In the bustling world of financial institutions, where the roles are many and the hours few, the challenge of embedding robust cybersecurity practices can feel daunting. For many in leadership positions, juggling multiple hats often leads to a reactionary stance, with proactive cybersecurity initiatives taking a backseat. It's hard to stay focused on information security when you're wearing multiple hats. It's hard to be proactive when you're stuck in a whirlwind of reactivity. Yet, the quality of the questions we pose can pivot our approach from firefighting to strategic progress.
It's interesting how questions work; they guide our focus, often steering us toward answers, sometimes even without our full awareness. That's why it's crucial to ask the RIGHT questions, ensuring our mental energy is directed toward productive solutions.
Rather than dwelling on the daunting "How can I possibly manage all my roles and all of this cybersecurity stuff too?", reframing the question can illuminate the path forward. By shifting to "How can I make consistent progress on our Information Security Program while fulfilling my other responsibilities?" or "Who can assist me in fortifying our Information Security Program?", we transition from a place of overwhelm to one of opportunity and solutions.
The first question frames the task as insurmountable, setting us up to wrestle with reality—a battle we will ALWAYS lose. In contrast, the second question seeks solutions within the context of reality, acknowledging constraints while exploring possibilities. When aiming to achieve anything, it's essential to be realistic so we always want to "rub it up against reality".
To navigate this shift effectively, the WOOP methodology, which comes from Gabriele Oettingen's book Rethinking Positive Thinking, offers a structured, science-backed approach (https://woopmylife.org/en/science). It encourages us to articulate our Wish, envision the Outcome, identify Obstacles, and devise a Plan. Let's walk through a fictional scenario with Lisa, a COO juggling multiple roles and Information Security Officer responsibilities at a small financial institution.
Lisa's WOOP strategy transforms an overwhelming situation into a manageable and strategic action plan. By dedicating focused time and seeking collaborative support, she aligns her day-to-day actions with her overarching security goals.
The narrative of "too much to do and not enough time" is a common refrain across financial institutions. However, methodologies like WOOP empower leaders to break the cycle of reactivity, offering a blueprint for integrating effective cybersecurity practices amidst diverse responsibilities. Whether you're an executive, an IT professional, or an Information Security Officer, adopting this approach can catalyze significant progress in your security initiatives. This is a great tool to use for any big goal (work or personal) or even down to your next meeting.
Embark on your WOOP journey today. Identify a goal, envisage the positive outcomes, confront the barriers, and carve out a clear action plan. Embrace the synergy of strategic questioning and structured planning to fortify your institution's cybersecurity landscape. Explore more, experiment with WOOP, and share your success story (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonybushong/) as you redefine what's possible in your multifaceted role.