#reliability-and-trust

#reliability-and-trust

Research finds that relying on regulations to determine your policies and procedures can result in ethical blindspots, or situations where people might think if there is not a rule for something, that it's permissible. After years of shifting towards values and culture-based compliance, leadership might be heading the opposite direction.

People recognize polish, but they respond to purpose. What the industry is starting to learn is that value is in the principles those tools represent. Technology is initially and temporarily impressive, whereas values are unforgettable.

Companies are under attack publicly and privately for policies viewed as "too progressive" or "woke." The reality, however, is that most companies have strongly reaffirmed their sustainability commitments but less so their DEI commitments. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) works in the grey area between the two. Many affirming companies have opted for "greenhushing," staying quiet about their strategies and leadership.

Rather than stolen data making headlines, it was business stoppage that triggered attention. Moving into 2026, the board's focus should be on ensuring business continuity and building resilience in the face of emerging risks generated by AI usage and attack vectors, quantum computing and geopolitics.

As audit committees confront a rapidly expanding risk landscape, their role in corporate governance is being reshaped. Boards have often turned to current and former CFOs as independent directors, particularly for audit committees, because of their ability to translate complex operational and financial realities into effective oversight.For example, this month, J. Michael Hansen, former EVP and CFO of Cintas Corporation, was appointed to the audit committee at Paychex.

Building security into the framework of an organization prevents security from being seen as a barrier to daily activities. If an employee feels as if a security measure is inhibiting them from completing their daily tasks, they're far more likely to find a way around that measure. This can range from propping open a door to using the same easy-to-remember password for every account.

It's human nature to want to act immediately and alleviate pressure when you find yourself in hot water. But sharing news that isn't complete yet or telling the public too much too soon can turn up the temperature even more. Avoid the need for a public retraction later by accurately, concisely and clearly communicating with your audience from the start.

I belong to six professional organizations. Or maybe it's 13, 19, 26, or 47. I can't be sure. The ones where I pay dues or volunteer I know well: ASIS International, the Life Safety Alliance, Chartered Security Professionals, and a couple of others. Then come the niche and industry-specific associations like the International Council of Shopping Centers, public-private partnerships such as OSAC and Infragard, and the countless ASIS Communities.