In the face of budget constraints, layoffs, and unrelenting crises, the idea of hiring a Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) might seem counterintuitive. However, now, more than ever, is the perfect time to consider this crucial position. A CRO can provide strategic guidance on community resilience, setting the stage for long-term recovery and a flourishing future.
Understanding the Chief Resilience Officer (CRO)
But first, what exactly is a CRO? This relatively new role, conceived as part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities network, holds a senior-level position. Ideally situated just one step away from the mayor or administrator, the CRO devises a comprehensive vision and action plan to enhance community resilience against social, economic, and environmental shocks and stressors.
The seniority of this role is pivotal. It requires a holistic view of the entire organization, along with the authority to collaborate across departments and missions. This level of influence ensures alignment across the organization, strategic leveraging of efforts between departments, and the dissemination of a shared sense of purpose.
Navigating Through Crisis
During a full-blown crisis, creating a new position may seem challenging. Justifying a role that takes a long-term perspective when immediate needs are pressing can be a tough sell. However, crises of the scale we face today, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitate leadership with a broad perspective. Unprecedented challenges demand innovative organizational approaches and agile decision-making, and this requires someone at the helm.
The CRO can also function as a recovery manager. Picture it as a “Chief Resilience/Recovery Officer.” The magnitude of the recovery effort resembles a full community reset, aligning perfectly with the goal of building systemic resilience. The emphasis on “resilience first” focuses on proactive efforts and shared vision, whereas “recovery” implies picking up the pieces. Both approaches have their merits.
Identifying the Ideal CRO
If you’ve already started forming a recovery team and reshaping your plans, you likely understand the need for a CRO and where they fit into your new organizational structure. However, if you’re still in the early stages, it’s time to consider this crucial position.
When the 100 Resilient Cities initiative was launched, they outlined the traits necessary for a successful CRO:
1. Leadership: The ability to inspire, influence, and engage colleagues and residents in implementing the city’s resilience strategy.
2. Local Engagement: A deep understanding of the local community and the ability to engage with municipal leaders, residents, and stakeholders effectively.
3. Global Engagement: Representing the community in global or regional forums to share information, ideas, and best practices for innovative solutions.
4. Interdisciplinary Skills: Effective communication and collaboration across multiple sectors and disciplines, including transportation, energy, healthcare, housing, education, and community engagement.
5. Enterprising Spirit: Resourcefulness, willingness to experiment, pursue new ideas, and take calculated risks.
6. Effective Communication: Proficiency in storytelling and various communication methods to drive the resilience conversation and gain stakeholder support.
7. Project Management: Efficiently managing multiple workstreams and relationships.
What’s noteworthy about these traits is that they don’t require a specific background or area of expertise. An effective CRO can come from diverse backgrounds, as long as they possess these fundamental characteristics.
Instead of looking outside your organization, consider leveraging existing talent, especially in today’s economic climate. Shifting responsibilities internally can be more effective, as it allows the CRO to build on trusted relationships and break down silos.
Embrace the Future
Today’s crisis exists in tandem with other challenges such as affordable housing, equity, and climate change. Finding the right person who can coordinate a long-term response that considers past, present, and future challenges is crucial for your community’s thriving future. There’s no better time than now to hire your first Chief Resilience Officer.
