Send to KindleRisk Taking Leaders and Leaders Supporting Risk Takers
There is no shortage of experts in the world who tell us the only way to great success is to take big risks. They’re right. History is full of the tales of those who took big risks. In fact, for the most part, history
looks favorably only on those who were successful risk takers. And there’s the rub. Unsuccessful risk takers are largely forgotten, or held up for scorn and ridicule.
All good leaders take risks. I find it difficult to define anyone who isn’t willing to take a chance as a real leader. But what happens when that chance you took goes sideways? That’s where great leaders stand out from those who are just in the position. You’ve probably experienced the leader who publically states that he wants you to try new things and encourages you by saying “Don’t be afraid to take a chance.” Those words sound good, but experience, or maybe office gossip, tells you that there’s another statement that leader isn’t saying out loud: “You better be right!”
I’ve been fortunate to work for leaders who supported me when a risky move didn’t quite work out. They would help me analyze what went wrong and how to salvage the situation while they ran interference. That support certainly made me more willing to continue finding ways to improve the operation.
Here are four tips to encourage constructive risk taking that I learned from them.
1. Maintain open communications. Make sure your workers are comfortable bringing ideas to you.
2. Support them, even if it doesn’t work out. (This doesn’t mean excusing criminal activity).
3. Recognize success, learn from failure, but don’t criticize the attempt.
4. Demonstrate true appreciation for someone who’s willing to step out in front and take smart chances – even if they don’t always succeed.
Are you the kind of leader who encourages people to take a constructive risk? Do you toss them aside if it doesn’t work out or do you support them? Which type of leader would you like to work for?
