What project, mission or quest have you entered into that you’ve consciously said is worth the risk it required? The greater question may be found in whether you’re involved in something that has tremendous risk. Low risk situations/endeavors sound really good, but are often poison pills designed to get you comfortable. And we know what comfort can do…
Organizations would be more effective if they embraced more risk. Sadly the allure of making money dulls some to taking on more risk. Organizations become voyeurs (always watching some other group take the shot) and stand behind the lines. You might be surprised at how many of your employees desire to risk greatly in order to be a part of something great.
Individuals would change the world if they’d stop looking for easy safe paths. Don’t you want to be involved in something that has enough risk to make you nervous, anxious or downright afraid? I know you may be thinking I’m crazy, but everything in my life that creates those feelings are pathways to greatness.
Are you afraid of losing your position and power? That answer will reveal a lot.
This post is not about taking stupid risks. It’s about waking up from the slumber of safety. Safety says its always wiser to keep doing what you’ve been doing. Foolishly, we think that past results will create equally positive ones in the present and future. See the music business on that one (the impact of iTunes on their business model).
Here are a few insights on how you can take more risk:
- If your organization hasn’t ventured into new businesses, start investigating the possibilities. The ones that scare you could be big winners.
- Find a mentor/coach/adviser who will challenge you to move out of your comfort zone.
- Volunteer for something you believe in, but have ignored for years because of your insecurities (I’m not smart enough, I don’t know anyone, fear of rejection, etc.).
- Be willing to fail. It won’t kill you, but it could lead to even more opportunities.
- Start seeing risk as a friend and not a beast from hell.