Tag: Risk

The Unknown

How often do we think about our potential, then step back from achieving it because we fear the unknown?

Esmeralda Santiago asks the question, “How can you know what you are capable of if you don’t embrace the unknown?”

Several variables play into the unknown. We develop scenarios, usually focused on the negative or that create a defeatist mindset.

What can we do to face the unknown and enjoy the possibilities?

1. Remember, reaching our potential requires a level of risk.
2. Even if we fail, failure is not fatal.
3. Start small and gradually venture into additional unknown areas.

Just taking a a step or two can move us in the right direction.

Risk

Risk involves the possibility of danger or harm.

There can be low risk and high risk, but risk is part of leadership.

The key to understanding the role of risk in leadership is learning how not to fear risk, but manage it instead.

Consider two questions in application to risks involved for spiritual leaders.

1) What are the risk factors involved if we decide not to lead others to Christ?
2) What are the risks of waiting, or procrastinating, to lead them?

When we look from a spiritual perspective at how the risks weigh out in our leadership, we find the possibility of danger or harm involved.

Risky Leadership

A risk involves the possibility of danger or harm, a person or thing regarded as likely to turn out good or bad within a particular context.

There can be low risk and high risk, but risk is going to be involved in leadership.

The key is learning how not to fear risk, but manage it instead.

Two questions came to mind in application for spiritual leaders:

1) What are the risks if we decide not to lead others to Christ?
2) What are the risks of waiting, or procrastinating, to lead them?

When we procrastinate or are unwilling to take the risk, we take the greatest risk of all.

Risky Business

Leadership means risks. Change never occurs quickly or easily. Introducing challenges or raising questions about the current development or structure increases the level of risk.

Regardless of the approach to personal or organizational growth, change is required in order to expand. The thought of remaining neutral, being comfortable with the status quo, or being afraid to address potential change leaves an organization stagnate and eventually deteriorating.

Time, knowledge, and experience are three elements that provide the basis for approaching any risk.

1) Do we have the time to invest?
2) Is our knowledge of the situation adequately researched?
3) What level of experience exists for the resources needed?

Leading With Boundaries

Boundaries are welcomed by some and frightening to others. Boundaries mark the limits of an area or activity.

On one hand, these limits can inhibit the creativity of those who need to develop their abilities and opportunities to explore beyond the norm.

On the other hand, these limits provide safety and security in ways that prevent drifting into areas that represent risk, danger, and defeat.

Leaders need to know how to use boundaries properly. Followers need opportunity to spread the wings of creativity and explore beyond the status quo.

At the same time, there must be strategic lines that minimize the risk of loss.

Potential

Potential is an ability or capability with the possibility of being or becoming something.

In his book, 9 Things A Leader Must Do, Dr. Henry Cloud wrote, “One of the worst things you can die with is potential.”

What is our potential? How do we achieve our greatest potential? Reaching our potential requires risk, and that can be a bit uncomfortable.

Cloud also claims that “potential is something to be realized, not guarded or protected. So, dig it up! Invest it!”

Maximizing our potential enables us to help others reach their potential. Spiritually, when the potential of God’s people is unleashed, we will change the world.

Action, Risk, and Confidence

“Never be afraid to act. You never know how far away you are from your goal — sometimes just reaching out and putting in a little bit of effort can be enough. And, even if it’s not — you tried, and that’s far better than just sitting and waiting for a chance to present itself. If you want to achieve something you have to act, you have to take risks and you have to believe in yourself.” Author Unknown

Act: We cannot simply be hearers, but doers.

Take risks: Taking risk promotes greater impact.

Believe in yourself: A lower self-esteem hinders action and risks.

God’s power must not be limited by our lack of action, risk, or confidence.

Taking Risks…

Risks involve the possibility of danger or harm. Directing the outcome of risks in leadership means learning how to overcome fear and manage the risk.

Information about risk management abounds, especially in application to leadership.

Spiritually, consider two questions.

1) What are the risks if we decide not to lead others to Christ? 
2) What are the risks of waiting, or procrastinating, to lead them?

When we look at how risks play out from a spiritual perspective, we find the possibility of danger or harm that occurs when we are unwilling to take the risk.

The Risk of Leadership…

“This is the world of white water where we have to change to survive; where we have to develop to thrive; and, paradoxically, where the very act of change increases the risk that we won’t survive.” Randall White, Phillip Hodgson and Stuart Craine, The Future of Leadership: A White Water Revolution

This quote speaks to the incredible changing world we live in and the need to make changes to survive in it. We must grow, develop for success, and know the very risk we take could be the end of us.

Saying, “yes,” involves a risk, but the opportunities for growth and changing the eternal destiny of someone else are worth it!