Risk

I have been thinking a lot about risk lately. It is clear that to grow and achieve in the workplace one must take risk, but it is not easy. One stands to lose as well as gain. So, how do you decide when to risk something and when to sit tight? Great question, and one that does not have a simple answer.

Given my recent thoughts, I found it interesting that Fast Company had a section in the current issue of the magazine that focused on risk. I enjoyed the section, but found two parts to be especially relevant. The first was a list of definitions of risk, from the dictionary to Steven Tyler. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/160/risk-definitions They reference business leaders like Warren Buffett and Peter Drucker, but I found Ray Bradbury's quote to be the most interesting. He said risk was "Jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down." I think this is especially true when making big decisions about your career path - sometimes you have to leap before you look or you would never make a move.

This dovetails nicely with the writings of Seth Godin. His motto is "Go - Make Something Happen". He often preaches that you have to just get started - whether or not you are completely prepared. You can read his blog at: http://sethgodin.com/sg/

So, I am going to jump. Are you coming?