Pose the following questions for discussion:
How does risk relate to your comfort zone?
How can we expand our risk potential?
Why don’t we take more risks? Be sure participants make these points. People aren’t comfortable taking them.
They fear failure.
They can’t take the first step.
Others might resent their decisions.Step 3: Distribute Handout 44.1, Evaluating a Risk.Then talk about the notion of
high-level, mid-level, and low-level risk. Ask participants to write an
example of a risk they’ve taken (at each level) on the handout.
Explain that you are focusing on business risks. “Using a business
context, think of a time when you stood up for something you felt really
strongly about. Your motivation might have been to protect or defend
yourself, another person, a belief you hold, or the organization itself.
When you stand up for something, you are taking a risk—often a personal
risk, whether it plays out physically, financially, or emotionally. Important:
Risks are only taken when something powerful compels them.”
When participants have completed all 13 questions, ask volunteers to
share any special strategies they used.
Then ask, “ What are the benefits of risk-taking?” Elicit responses
such as these:
You learn to set stretching goals. Goal-setting helps people solve problems, instead of placing blame.
Goal-setting means careful planning; this contributes to taking risks
confidently.
When you set goals, you are able to improve on previous
accomplishments. You explore new opportunities.
You learn about yourself. Your success with the risk enhances your confidence and
determination.(^258) THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING ACTIVITY BOOK