The Leadership Training Activity Book: 50 Exercises

Step 4: Explain what is probably obvious to all of you:

People perceive risks differently. Discuss these areas of difference:

 One-person thinks it is risky to drive; another thinks it is riskier to fly.

 Some people are not afraid to go rock climbing or skiing.

 People have different attitudes about investing money.

Step 5: Tell participants that there are some risks each of us wants to take, but
something holds us back. This is what we will focus on next.
Divide the group into pairs and distribute Handout 44.2, A Risk
Evaluation Plan.
Ask each pair to work through the questions on the handout after
they each identify something they want to do. (One person talks and
the second takes notes.) After 10 minutes, tell them to reverse roles for
another ten minutes.
Then direct pairs to ask of one another:
 What are you afraid of in terms of taking this action, and how can
you overcome these fears?

 How can you use your knowledge and past experiences to deal with

this risk?

 What kinds of risks can you handle best?

 Is there any preparation that you can take that will make it less risky?

 What additional strategies can overcome barriers to achieving the

desired results?

 How can we, in this small group, be both a support group and a

brainstorming group for risk? And why would this be helpful?

Step 6: Discuss with the total group how men and women have different
attitudes toward risk-taking.
Tell the group:

Many women say that they are not particularly comfortable taking

risks. However, men say that taking the risk and standing up for

something you really believe in is incredibly powerful and energizing.

If you are well-prepared to argue for what you believe in—and if you

don’t totally lose control and you can keep the issue from getting

personal—you will be respected for the confrontation. Remember, men

BRING OUT THEIR BEST!^259