risk Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Dennis E. Gilbert

20
Sep 18
-

Safety Zone and The Status Quo Approach

Tags : change risk safety zone status quo workplace engagement

Safety is something that most humans covet. It’s an inherent part of our evolution. We like to feel safe. Is operating in your safety zone or the status quo holding you back?

Safety and the status quo tend to keep everyone stuck.

Status Quo is Sticky

We don’t speak up at the meeting. It is safer to just observe. It saves embarrassment, perhaps revealing a weakness, or worse, getting blacklisted or fired for a bad idea.

We don’t apply for the new job. Maybe we aren’t that good. Maybe we’ll fail, or maybe they will decide they don’t like me so I better stay put. It is safe.

It is often suggested to represent the evidence of loyalty, commitment, or how we do it here.

Gradually, across time, our jobs and workplaces create the feeling of safety and security. There is a feeling of comfort in the status quo.

The Paradox

Yet, every day organizations are mostly looking to serve more, do more, create new, get bigger, be stronger, and last longer.

The contrast between safety and change is sometimes nearly invisible to the employee, yet the lingering feeling is often a cause for discomfort.

It is ever present in the job change. The increased workload. Picking up the slack for another person or workgroup, or the message from leadership that the economic climate requires change.

Safety Zone

It is ironic that the best organizations are the ones operating on the edge. The very edge of in control versus out of control. The organization that pushes the button, finds ways to become more efficient, and takes big leaps while others stand wishfully pondering the edge.

Everything is changing. Changing rapidly. The status quo is not safe.

True for the organization. True for the individual.

Excitement, engagement, and growth happen just on the other side of the safety zone.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

17
Sep 18
-

“That’s Risky.” Whispered The Manager

Tags : energize Nike return on risk reward risky

How do you navigate risk? Do you feel that you are a bit of a risk taker, or that you are much more conservative in your approach? Is there value in risk? Are you a little risky?

It can be as simple as being willing to speak up in a meeting, or more complex like putting your lifetime savings up for grabs as you start a business venture.

We also nearly always have people yelling from the sidelines.

No risk, no reward.

No pain, no gain.

Never give up on your dreams!

Each of those may have some relevance and can be motivational. However, there is something really special about risk that many people take for granted.

Does Risk Energize?

Risky can be exciting.

Driving 61 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour speed zone doesn’t have the same feeling as exceeding the speed limit a little.

Sneaking an extra donut in the break room when you are on a calorie restrictive diet is different from being caught nibbling on a leaf of lettuce.

Spiking the punch bowl at the non-alcoholic office holiday party is much different from handing out bottles of water.

Risky can be volatile and should always be carefully considered with the potential reward or the devastation that could result.

We quickly recognize some forms of risk while others are sometimes not on our radar but should be. Things like humor, etiquette, and our speaking filters.

Risky

Much of our success with risk exists in the relevance of our measurement. It is about the comparisons we make. What is risky for some, is absolute boredom to others. Have you ever calculated your ROR (return on risk)?

Risky can be very costly.

On the other hand, there is something amazingly energizing about the risk that pays off in a big win.

Nike has suggested we just do it. Risky is certainly on their radar.

-DEG

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

10
Jul 18
-

When Pleasing Everyone Pleases No One

Tags : average marketing pleasing everyone risk

You have probably said it, “You can’t please everyone.” If you haven’t said it, you’ve certainly heard it. Are you pleasing everyone, or just creating an atmosphere of average?

Many people like to operate in the averages. They have some willingness to cooperate, to compromise, and they try to just get along.

We see this with room temperatures, the audio volume in the movie theater, and often on the highway as we keep the pace of traffic.

Stand Out

Yet, most people, most products or services provided by organizations are looking to stand out. They aren’t necessarily looking to blend in, to make everyone happy, or to keep operating within the averages. Or, are they?

The dive bar just outside of town may have the best wings, they are different from the franchise operation downtown. They aren’t average, they are exceptional as proclaimed by some. Yet there may be those who find them too hot or the atmosphere inappropriate for kids.

Anthony Robbins, who some admire very much, doesn’t have an average presentation style. It is part of his strategy. It appeals to some, but not necessarily to all.

At the carnival you don’t really remember much about the ring toss, the ping-pong ball throw, or the hot dogs. You remember the biggest, scariest ride that some wouldn’t even think about trying. You did, or maybe you didn’t, but you remember.

How should you position yourself or your organization? Do some things make sense existing in averages.

Pleasing Everyone

At a table in the restaurant our coffee probably comes in a ceramic mug or cup. A fountain soda from the fast food chain often comes in a paper-based cup with a plastic lid and a straw. Most smart phones are close in size and are available in black.

The challenge in all of this is that pleasing everyone is not memorable. That is why the restaurant needs to set itself apart. It is why the dive bar has the best wings, and perhaps precisely why Anthony Robbins is well known.

Comfort and averages keep people locked in to something that is just okay. There isn’t really any risk and so the reward is average.

Yet the business or person who risks giving more, doing more, and being a little different can become memorable. Memorable is probably not based in the average.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

24
Feb 17
4

Big Decisions, Removing Options, and Permanent Choices

Tags : choices decisions options risk

Are you facing a tough decision or choice? What is it about big decisions that often leave us struggling to make the call?

About eight months ago on a 114 degree day near Phoenix, Arizona, I found myself riding in the back seat of a big, dark, tinted window SUV. I was on business related travel and was able to get connected with a very reasonably priced private driver.

This wasn’t Uber, it wasn’t a cab, but a professional business service that chauffeurs people in that area.

While on a ride from a business meeting back to my hotel I engaged in some small talk with the driver. After a few minutes I noticed that the driver was very well spoken, appeared very knowledgeable, and his business savvy was quite impressive.

Being somewhat intrigued, we continued to talk. I learned that he was originally from the east coast with a very noteworthy professional career. I asked him about his move to Arizona, how he made the decision, and if it was the right choice.

His story was interesting but the details are not what really matter the most. What matters the most is one specific sentence that he shared. He said, “Every big decision that we make in life is always the right decision at that time, at that exact moment when you make it.”

Like a heavy meal of pasta and bread, it hit the spot and has stuck with me ever since.

Big Decisions

Sometimes when we are faced with big decisions we get too caught up in the details. It’s easy to become worried about what is the right choice or the best choice, and sadly we often inappropriately weigh the risks.

Confidence might sometimes be a factor, but most of our struggle often comes from the feeling of what we have to give up. Additionally, it might be about the feeling of permanency with our choice.

Consider a decision to move a thousand or more miles away from home. A career choice or a new job offer, and we certainly can’t forget about the idea of getting a tattoo or marriage. All of those things might feel permanent, and with that feeling of permanency there is added pressure.

Removing Options

The challenge for most people exists in the removal of options. Like a multiple choice question on an exam, deciding means we have to eliminate something. Some choices are easily removed because they just don’t fit. As the options become fewer the pressure might feel more intense.

Businesses often feel this pressure when deciding on their marketing mix or building a brand. Lots of options or being all things to all people feels more comfortable. The feeling is that you’ll never miss an opportunity.

Unfortunately as a result prospective buyers can’t decide so they move on to the vendor who has exactly what they want. Fewer options make deciding easier.

Individuals sometimes find this challenge with big decisions such as buying an automobile, a home, or booking that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. The more choices or options, the harder it is to decide.

Perhaps in life or business the easiest way to make big decisions is by becoming more comfortable with removing options.

Make the big decisions, even when it feels like it might be permanent.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

28
Dec 16
-

Is It Worth The Risk?

Tags : change failure progress risk success

Talk is easy. There are a lot of people and organizations that talk about change, but change requires risk. Do you believe change is worth the risk?

Many people operate in their safety zone. They never get too close to the edge, color outside of the lines, or risk something that they feel they might later regret.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about change is that by its very nature it requires risk. Staying the same feels comfortable, largely because you believe you already know the outcome, but outcomes change too.

People and businesses often believe that they want change, that they need different outcomes. They want something that works better, lasts longer, or is more efficient. All of those are noble thoughts and those who turn thoughts into action believe that they are ready for change.

Might the question then become, “How bad do you want it?” or for others perhaps, “How bad do you need it?”

Being worth the risk is often measured after the fact. It is measured in success or failure and is seldom measured for the performance against risk. Should it be?

A business might run one advertisement, on one television network for one month, or they might spring for a 30 second spot during the Super Bowl.
An employee might speak up adding one suggestion to solving a problem in a staff meeting, or they might spend additional hours at the office developing a corrective plan of action and then present their idea to the Board of Directors.

We’re often taught or reinforced with the concept of taking a risk which results in success is good, but a risk and then failure is bad. The trouble with this mind-set is that makes people risk adverse.

It makes them risk adverse since they often feel they can’t be wrong if they stay within the safety zone. Their confidence is higher for actions which occur within the zone.

Do you believe that change is happening all around you? Do you believe that change is happening every day? Do you believe that some of this change might be considered good, and that some of it might be considered bad?

If you agree that it surrounds you, then you can probably also agree that problems change too, and that changing problems require different solutions, and that new or different solutions require taking additional risk.

If you agree with all of that, then you might also agree that the value of risk should not be expressed as good or bad, it should be expressed as progress. Largely because a risk that results in change is progress.

It’s always progress as long as you are moving forward with your successes and learning from but not repeating failures.

Is progress worth the risk?

Some believe it is, do you?

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a four-time author and some of his work includes, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce and Pivot and Accelerate, The Next Move Is Yours! Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

09
Nov 16
4

Do You Value Risk?

Tags : comfort zone decision making risk safety

Do you take risks? Some people might be identified as risk taking enthusiasts. You have people who are extreme sport athletes, those who might drive a little fast on the highway, and those who take a risk at the casino. They might value risk and assuming you are not in one of those categories, do you value it?

Sure some risk might get your juices flowing, make you feel alive, and if you end up on the right side of the risk you’ll likely feel very happy. Life changing results may come about because of risk, and these results might be positive or they might set you back in an undesirable way.

What about a decisions for self-improvement or a decision to tackle a big project at work? What about speaking up during an uncomfortable situation or offering an idea that you know the boss will not agree with? Do you see any value in taking such risks?

A couple of well-known leadership authors, James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, released a training activity book in 2010 titled, The Leadership Challenge, Activities Book, it was edited by the highly admired and very talented, Elaine Biech. I was fortunate to contribute to that book through one of my training activities titled, Take A Risk! (pgs. 217 – 227). This activity appeared in the chapter titled, Challenge the Process. It’s a great book for those who are interested in activities related to leadership development. The reason I’m mentioning it is because it helps build credibility to the idea that value exists in taking reasonable and well calculated risk. Sometimes we have to challenge the process, at least according to some mainstream theories.

Recently I wrote a blog post about the concept of having reasonable expectations and of course the word reasonable might be considered to be very subjective. Later, a friend challenged some of my thinking by asking if this concept might create self-limiting beliefs. A good question I believe, and one that is important for anyone seeking change.

Here are a few of my beliefs about reasonable and calculated risk.

We should,

value risk
take reasonable risk
be calculated about our risk
expand our comfort zone
recognize that there is risk in safety.

Most of this bullet list is self-explanatory, but let me just provide an additional comment about risk as it relates to safety. Many people live their life by playing it very (or totally) safe. Each person has their own style and comfort associated with risk and the results they achieve. However, there is one fallacy in the concept of playing it safe. The fallacy is that playing it safe, taking very limited or no risk is perhaps one of the riskiest positions you can take. We are living in a world of rapid and constant change, if you are not changing, if you are not stepping away from your comfort zone, you are likely falling behind.

What calculated risks have you taken lately? What risk opportunity did you walk away from that you should have taken?

Risk is part of your growth, or not.

Take some!

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

24
Oct 16
4

What Makes You Resilient?

Tags : focus leadership opportunities persistence resilient

Adverse conditions aren’t something that most people look forward to, but resilient people dig deep to find ways to overcome them.

Resiliency is a leadership quality, and of course, leadership qualities are appropriate for everyone. While many quickly recognize that resiliency means having an ability to bounce back, bounce back quickly, or return to original form, in leadership endeavors it may also mean that you get the bad news first, you must be able to accept adverse or difficult situations, and you must be responsible and accountable to bounce back faster than most.

Many people like the idea of being a supervisor, a manager, or in some way being recognized as a leader in the workplace, that is until they realize that leadership is not a bigger office, a nicer desk, and a bunch of job perks. It requires you to have a strong ability to work with others to accomplish a common goal, to be willing and able to face and solve problems, and to take some reasonable risk all while remaining very poised and confident. If you can do this, you might be resilient.

Building Resiliency

You’ve heard it before. The best people at doing anything (or nothing) make it look easy. It might be true that talent, expertise, and hard work can make overcoming adverse conditions or solving difficult problems look easy, but the truth for most people who make it look this way is that they are extremely resilient. There are many things that can help people become more resilient and here are a few of my favorites:

Appropriate Attitude. People have to come prepared with an appropriate attitude. Resilient people or people with a resiliency attitude tend to focus on making the most of every situation, they don’t focus on what they don’t have, they focus on effectively using everything they do have and sometimes this starts with having a good attitude.
Willingness to Jump In. Critical thinking and root cause analysis are important for problem solving and people should use all of their skills to be as effective as possible, but it is important to note that resilient people are not plagued with analysis paralysis; they have a willingness to jump in and get things started. Hesitation, procrastination, and any fears that halt progress might be the first step in creating additional failures. Resilient people balance their actions with well thought out plans but at the same time they don’t chronically plan, they jump in and get things done.
Create Opportunities. Change means opportunity and opportunity means change. If you believe the comfort zone is real then you might also believe that staying the same is the riskiest place to be. I believe the comfort zone is real and too many people are stranded because they don’t take appropriate risks. No one wants to risk something to end up worse off than before, but if you don’t see change as an opportunity and you fail to take any risk you won’t just stay the same, you’ll fall behind.

Resiliency is sometimes associated with mental and physical toughness and it certainly helps to have strength in those areas but resiliency can also be built. It starts by having the right attitude, it is important to have a willingness to jump in and get things started, and you have to seek (find, create) opportunities even when the circumstances seem overwhelming and the conditions extremely adverse. Overcoming problems and issues is never easy, if it was easy, they would already be solved. The best leaders are very resilient, instead of seeing a no win situation they find or create a no lose opportunity, it may have risk but they make it look easy.

What about you, are you resilient?

– DEG

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

07
Oct 16
-

Does Good Negotiation Require Big Risk?

Tags : information negotiation risk sales

Negotiation skills and managing risk are critical in many job roles. During my career I’ve met plenty of people who are energized by risk, and plenty of people who are so risk adverse that despite having tremendous talent, they achieve very little. If you are going to be successful at negotiation do you need to have the audacity to take big risks?

We often see negotiation scenes in movies. We see it in movies based on true stories like the deal slaying stock broker film, The Wolf of Wall Street, (2013). We also see it in the high intensity hostage negotiation film, Bridge of Spies, (2015). While both of these films are based on true stories, any risk associated with real world negotiation should be carefully calculated.

In business transactions whether it is negotiating on salary or closing a multi-million dollar deal the best negotiators always examine risk compared with the benefits or potential gain. Sometimes the benefits will be measured in short-term value, in other cases it might be long-term value, or in still other cases it will be some combination of both. In nearly all cases the benefits cannot be fully realized without extensive information which makes the evaluation of risk a carefully calculated process.

Information and Risk

The risk factor lessens with more information, but more information is about quality and is always balanced with timeliness and effectiveness, as most would quickly realize too much information can create analysis paralysis. Managing information wisely, you can evaluate whether it supports your direction or it does not. If it doesn’t, you probably don’t want to take on too much risk. On the other hand, if you have information that does support your direction you may make what appears to be a big move, but because it has been carefully calculated the risk is not really as big as it seems.

Any information and past experience used for effective negotiation needs to be based on facts. Listening skills and other factors definitely come into play when considering risk. Often when people speak they are speaking more in terms of opinions instead of facts. Discussions in negotiations are often subject to judgment by those involved. The more compelling the discussion, the more factual it may feel even though the expressions may be those of opinions and not facts. Keep in mind that good negotiators focus on building a win/win outcome, not capitalizing on or intending to create a win/lose opportunity.

Big Risk

Big risk in negotiation should most likely be left for the movie scenes. Good negotiators are very calculated and have extensive experience, and while experience builds confidence it does not necessarily improve the negotiators effectiveness. In the best negotiations whether it is for annual salary, sales, or the boardroom, negotiators are using a variety of skills, experience, and information to create winning (win/win) deals.

Based on my experiences, good negotiation requires calculated, not necessarily big risk.

– DEG

30
Sep 16
2

Is the Fear of Success Real?

Tags : confidence failure fear leadership success

Nearly everyone recognizes the idea of being afraid of failure. Some people are so intent about never failing that they always play life extremely safe, never really taking any risks. Other people love the idea of risk and don’t worry much about failing. They recognize the possibility of failure but only at a level that keeps them pushing towards the pursuit of their goal. They also accept the idea that sometimes failure does occur and they are prepared to manage it.

On the other hand, there are also people who fear success. Sometimes when the suggestion of a fear of success emerges, people struggle to form the connection with success and fear. Is the fear of success real?

Fear of Success

Like its opposite partner, the fear of failure, the fear of success comes in various levels and for various reasons. Based on research and my experiences working with people, especially in coaching roles, here are five of the most common factors associated with having a fear of success.

Maintaining a higher standard. The fear is that you’ll be unable to keep things up at this level. Because the standard will have become so high you will forever have to work that much harder. It feels easier to stay where you are comfortable.
I’m not worthy or don’t deserve it. Self-esteem and self-efficacy are the two most important building blocks for self-confidence. If you’ve been told many times that you’re not worthy, or you can’t do it, or that it’s impossible. You may believe you are not worthy or that you don’t deserve to achieve your goal or obtain a higher level of success.
I’ll lose friends and create enemies. Envy from others can be a major setback for those who have achieved more success. People may resist the idea of becoming more successful because they fear losing friendships or creating enemies.
Success requires great risk or luck. Many people don’t like the feeling of risk and believe that they are never lucky. Luck and risks are very different, but some believe they are unlucky at everything because they “never win.” The idea is the more successful I become the more my fate rests in risk or luck, so I’m afraid to become more successful.
I don’t like being in the spotlight. This fear is rooted in the idea that the spotlight makes the person uncomfortable, if you don’t like to draw attention to yourself or your achievements you may try avoid excelling at anything or everything.

Surprising to some, the fear of success is real. While it is often deeply rooted in other unrelated circumstances or situations the fear may be enough to make people consciously or subconsciously avoid any scenario that may position them for additional success.

Do you fear success?

– DEG

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

07
Jun 16
4

How Will You Get There?

Tags : change pivot professional growth risk

People always insist they are taking steps, building the resources, or that they are assertively in pursuit of positive change. They think of their work, their accomplishments, helping others, building a product, a team, or an entire organization, or perhaps they have their sights set on a pay raise, a promotion, or a new job. Do they get there?

Road Closed Sign

Changing your direction, your path, or where you feel comfortable takes real effort. It also involves a lot of risk and when we take a risk we experience fear. Discomfort, risk, and fear, might make us feel a bit frustrated.

I don’t know if this new process will work, but the old way always did.

We just changed software packages and the new one is harder to use.

They moved everything in the store again, now I can’t find what I’m looking for.

Efficiency, cost savings, and productivity are the reason for much of the change we experience and being compelled to stay comfortable the question we often think but do not ask is, “who is benefitting from this change?’’ When what we should really be asking ourselves is, “how will I benefit from this change?”

Every day there are countless ways to engage, improve, and learn to be better.

How will you get there?

– DEG

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

Newer Posts -- Older Posts

Category Archives: risk

Sep 18

-

Status Quo is Sticky

The Paradox

Safety Zone

Sep 18

-

Does Risk Energize?

Risky

Jul 18

-

Stand Out

Pleasing Everyone

Feb 17

Big Decisions

Removing Options

Dec 16

-

Nov 16

Oct 16

Oct 16

-

Sep 16

Jun 16

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