Save to My Latticework unsave

Risk Matrix
Risk Matrix
Risk Matrix
save0 saved view8.9K views
Share this with your network
Share this with your network
Overview

We’re surrounded by risk but not all risk is created equal, and that’s where this matrix comes in.

Share this model with your network to be smarter, faster, together!
Actionable Takeaways
  • Brainstorm possible risks. 

Ideally consult broadly to identify possible risks, including analysing ...

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Hoc enim identidem dicitis, non intellegere nos quam dicatis voluptatem. Nec tamen ullo modo summum pecudis bonum et hominis idem mihi videri potest. Quid est igitur, cur ita semper deum appellet Epicurus beatum et aeternum? Bork Duo Reges: constructio interrete. Varietates autem iniurasque fortunae facile veteres philosophorum praeceptis instituta vita superabat. Quod idem cum vestri faciant, non satis magnam tribuunt inventoribus gratiam. Qui convenit?

At, illa, ut vobis placet, partem quandam tuetur, reliquam deserit. Sine ea igitur iucunde negat posse se vivere? Et homini, qui ceteris animantibus plurimum praestat, praecipue a natura nihil datum esse dicemus? Explanetur igitur. Nulla profecto est, quin suam vim retineat a primo ad extremum. Scio enim esse quosdam, qui quavis lingua philosophari possint; Si stante, hoc natura videlicet vult, salvam esse se, quod concedimus; Conclusum est enim contra Cyrenaicos satis acute, nihil ad Epicurum.

Quis non odit sordidos, vanos, leves, futtiles? Vos autem cum perspicuis dubia debeatis illustrare, dubiis perspicua conamini tollere. Haeret in salebra. Illum mallem levares, quo optimum atque humanissimum virum, Cn. Quid, si non sensus modo ei sit datus, verum etiam animus hominis? Ne tum quidem te respicies et cogitabis sibi quemque natum esse et suis voluptatibus?

Limitations

Risk Matrices are simplified representations and as such do not capture the nuances of various risks, in particular they do not consider change of risk factors over time. They are also often generated through a consultative and co-design approach with a focus on qualitative interviews over quantitative data, which can lead to issues with cognitive bias and human error. 

In Practice

Electric energy organisation.

This academic paper from Science Direct describes a relatively robust approach taken to a risk analysis of an electric energy organisation. View the link to see the full paper, but the risk matrix is captured below.

Build your latticework
This model will help you to:

Coming from risk assessment, a risk matrix might be part of a project management toolkit and used at the commencement of a project. 

Use the following examples of connected and complementary models to weave risk matrices into your broader latticework of mental models. Alternatively, discover your own connections by exploring the category list above. 

Connected models: 

  • Probabilistic thinking: a fundamental way of approaching a challenge that lies behind a risk matrix. 
  • Inversion: in considering what could go wrong. 

Complementary models: 

  • Pareto principle: to identify key risks to worry about.
  • Second order thinking: to consider the impact beyond the initial event. 
  • Agile methodology: to test out ideas rather than commit to a long term, fixed plan. 
  • Risk minimisation framework: to gain courage in considering options, even with risks.
Origins & Resources

Napoleon has been credited with establishing a risk matrix with the consideration of likelihood versus consequences, though we’ve been unable to confirm this and have not attributed the model as a result (though I'd like to think that Napolean was behind this). 

My Notes

    Nothing here yet. Join ModelThinkers and login to be the first to comment.
Already a ModelThinkers member? Please log in here.

Oops, That’s Members’ Only!

Fortunately, it only costs US$5/month to Join ModelThinkers and access everything so that you can rapidly discover, learn, and apply the world’s most powerful ideas.

ModelThinkers membership at a glance:

Small mark
UNLOCK EVERYTHING
Access all mental models and premium content.
Small mark
BUILD YOUR LATTICEWORK
Save models to your personal list.
Small mark
QUICKLY MEMORISE MODELS
Use our Learn function to embed models to memory
Small mark
PERSONALISE MODELS
Add your own notes and reminders.
Small mark
BUILD YOUR ‘EXTERNAL BRAIN’
Discover a new idea? Capture it by adding a new model.
Small mark
JOIN THE MT COMMUNITY
Rate models, comment and access exclusive events.

“Yeah, we hate pop ups too. But we wanted to let you know that, with ModelThinkers, we’re making it easier for you to adapt, innovate and create value. We hope you’ll join us and the growing community of ModelThinkers today.”

Arun Pradhan & Shai Desai
CoFounders, ModelThinkers.

You Might Also Like:

- Actionable summaries of the world's most powerful ideas.