JOB AID 44.1© 2005 AMACOM, A DIVISION OF AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
This handout is available in PDF form at http://www.amacombooks.org/leadershipact.Risk-Taking Scenarios
To raise one million dollars for the charity of your choice:
Would you walk on a tightrope stretched between the 18th floor of the
Amoco Building and the Republic Plaza Building?”(Use an example of
tall buildings in your own city and discuss responses.)
“What if the money went to you personally?” (Elicit response.)
“What if the tightrope had a safety net 18 floors below?”(Elicit
response.)
“What if, in addition to the safety net, the tightrope was actually a
6-inch wide plank?” (Elicit response.)
“If (in addition to the safety net and the 6-inch plank) a harness was
also attached so you would only fall several feet before the harness
stopped you, would you take the risk for $1,000,000?” (Elicit
response.)
“Would you take the risk if, in addition to all of the above, one of the
flying Wallendas held your hand during your walk?” (Elicit response.)