There is another way to think of John MacWilliams's fifth risk: the risk a society runs when it falls into the habit of responding to long-term risks with short-term solutions. Program management is not just program management. Program management is the existential threat that you never really even imagine as a risk.
In "The Fifth Risk," Michael Lewis highlights a crucial concern regarding how societies approach long-term challenges. He suggests that frequently resorting to short-term solutions for these enduring risks can lead to significant existential threats. This mindset prevents proper recognition and handling of underlying issues that may spiral into larger problems over time.
Lewis emphasizes that effective program management transcends its basic responsibilities; it is fundamentally tied to the overarching risk management within society. By overlooking the dangers of short-sighted decisions, we risk jeopardizing our future without even realizing the true scope of the threats we face.
