SUBTEXTLarry was aggressive enough to take that risk, and in taking
0
it, he let his new boss see his subtext of determination.
YOUR INNER RISK FACTORFor some of us, risk taking simply means adding up all the advan-
tages and disadvantages, and then making the choice between
them. But many of us cannot make that choice. We are just not
strong enough to take the risk. Do you want to project that confident
image of a risk taker? How do you determine your own inner
risk factor?
You can do it through an evaluation of your own life and the
number of times you gambled on important issues. Another help
in determining it is a simple test. I have prepared ten questions,
each with three possible answers. The only thing required is that
you answer each question with absolute honesty.
Put aside all concerns about right and wrong, all questions of
morality. You may feel that one answer is the right one, but the
point is, be honest about what you would do, not what you think
is right to do. No one is judging your answers except yourself.
Think about your answers. Do they project a successful subtext?
One-Armed Bandits
You attend a convention in Nevada, and you must pass a bank
of slot machines each day on your way to the meeting hall.
(A) You put all your quarters in each time you go past.
(B) You set aside an allotted amount to play with and stick to
that amount.
(C) You ignore the machines. You're here for the convention.