“It’s uncomfortable to work, to stretch the capacity of your tolerance, to be vulnerable with someone you care deeply about, but it is never more uncomfortable than going your whole life without the things you really want”. This sentiment is echoed in our segment ‘Consultants Corner’ with Leo Gualchierotti on whether taking risk is needed for the road to ‘success’.
This quote by Brianna West fittingly summarises the value of risk-taking, both in a professional and personal context. But is risk-taking a necessary tool in the pathway to ‘success’, as discussed on ‘Consultants Corner’ by Leo Gualchierotti?
Firstly, it is worth noting that success is not an umbrella term. If anything, no term is less inclusive. Success has a different meaning for everyone. The subjectivity of success is the reason why risk may be perceived to have varying importance. However, I believe that risk-taking does hold value for everyone. It is an essential factor in optimising opportunities for success. This article will discuss three products of risk, outlining why those prone to calculated risks are typically more successful in their careers than their cautious counterparts.
Resilience:
Risk inevitably breeds its own setbacks and failures. However, the lessons which can be taken from such shortcomings are arguably the greatest prize. To use the clichéd Michael Jordan quote, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed”. There is undeniable value in taking risks. Even if the outcome is not an obvious ‘success’, the lessons learnt will inevitably bring us closer to the desired outcome. If risk cannot bring an immediate win, it will nevertheless have taught us one or more lessons. Resilience itself is also vital to have in the professional context. Failure and the ability to overcome failure are vital lessons from risk. Risk prepares us for failure and teaches us how to avoid it if we have experienced a similar trajectory. Simply, lessons from taking risks create long-term benefits that nothing else could provide.
Opportunity:
Typically, the term risk and its natural associations have a negative context. Inevitably, risk invokes emotion. It is natural for the fear of both the unknown and fear of failure to influence someone’s career risks. Indeed, moving country, changing jobs, or committing to unpredictable change often brings fear. People fear failure or unexpected outcomes. However, flipping this fear into a mindset of possibility can motivate risk-taking. When people focus only on potential losses, they miss the opportunities within risk. Of course, everyone should calculate risks carefully. But, to have a mindset which immediately resonates with the possibility for failure means that the window for success becomes tainted, as Leo Gualchierotti discusses on ‘Consultants Corner’ about risk taking on the road to success.
Instead, we should aim to perceive the fear with risk differently and ask ourselves: what could I be missing out on? In doing this we open ourselves to a more optimistic outlook. It gives a perspective upon taking risks that not only gives us a purpose but also a fear of settling where we are. Risk is healthy and is a catalyst for both challenging ourselves and opening doors of opportunity. Be it a career change or a more personal goal, forcing change and stepping out of our comfort zone is ultimately what will lead to a more fulfilling path.
To be clear, I am not trying to advocate uncalculated risk for the sake of risk. Nor am I alluding that all risks lead to success; this is simply not true. However, this article has aimed to outline the clear and proven benefit of taking calculated risks. This allows you to face failure and learn the lessons that come with it. It has also highlighted the level of opportunity bred by escaping the comfort zone.
Don’t be left thinking ‘what if?’
To speak to Leo about this topic, please contact him at Leo Gualchierotti
