“That’s Risky.” Whispered The Manager
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 E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), 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.
