Innovation Mindsets & Behaviors

Risk Taking

Risk taking requires for us to be both bold and thoughtful. Innovation without risk is not real innovation. But risk taking without thoughtfulness, can be recklessness. That's why being a bold risk taker borrows from both our logical and deliberate brain as well as from our heart. Thoughtful risk taking enables us to go ahead and take the risks in the spirt of experimenting, learning and progress.

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When to Apply Risk Taking

When developing and/or testing out a new idea that is rife with uncertainty and risk. The thoughtful risk taker’s mindset allows you to carefully calibrate investment, risk and rewards while not be frightened off from taking action when warranted.

behavior-top-image

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go”

TS Eliot
Poet and Essayist

How to Practice Risk Taking

  • 1
    Define the Situation: Start by clearing stating what the problem or unmet need is that requires a bold and thoughtful risk. A simple, clear statement ensures alignment and clarity of what needs to happen.
  • 2
    Know Your Audience: Be clear about your audience and understanding their wants, needs and motivations before you take action.
  • 3
    Visualize the Outcome: A risk is only worthwhile if we know what we want to achieve. Practice visualizing what success could look like if the risk paid off.
  • 3
    Plan for the Worst: By earnestly listing the hazards and pitfalls you might face, you are able to clearly face and mitigate those negative effects with your bold moves.
  • 4
    Learn from Risk Takers: Don't do it alone. Talk to other bold risk takers to find out how they have/would take a thoughtful risk given your situation.
  • 6
    Small Actions: Don't plan it all in one giant bite. List out small 'nibbles' that will lead up to that giant risk that you will eventually need to swallow.

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The
Deliberate Risk Taking Guide

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