Right now, many compliance officers are going before the Board, the C-suite, or their manager with their plans for 2021. Budgets must be approved, priorities determined, and roll-out schedules set. But how can we realistically plan for 2021? Our 2020 plans flew out the window last spring, with an unforeseen pandemic throwing the world’s economy into free-fall and sending workers out of their offices and into their living rooms.
2021 is arriving in a cloud of uncertainty. Though much insecurity exists, there are strategies you can use to keep your planning on-point for a successful year. Here are ten top tips for getting your 2021 plan right.
No. 1: For Live Training and Meetings, Plan in the Alternative
By now everyone knows that Zoom meetings aren’t the same as being face-to-face, especially when it comes to in-person group training and meetings. While compliance officers long for in-person events, it is best to plan “in the alternative,” meaning that your plans should work regardless of whether they are in-person, via video conference, or a mix of both. We’ve been developing an online game called “Compliance Competitor” that will come out in February for use with sales and executive teams (email me for info – kgranthart@sparkcompliance.com). It is a group game that can be played with groups competing at a table, in a breakout room in Zoom, or a combination of both.
When you’re planning your training sessions and meetings, prioritize activities and training that can be interactive either in person, on video conference, or both. By planning early, you’ll avoid that last-minute struggle to shift gears.
No. 2: Take the Business’ Temperature for Compliance and Respond Accordingly
Right now, many people are suffering from profound fatigue. Enormous stress and headaches have been caused by virus fatigue, reduced budgets, scrambling late into the night to create new protocols, canceled conferences, and products/services that can no longer be sold because of pandemic restrictions. While compliance will always be important, 2021 may not be the year to try to put it at the top of the list – at least not early in the year.
When you talk with your leaders about the compliance program’s priorities for 2021…
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