When Risk-Taking Backfires
Risk. It’s a concept that some are more comfortable with than others. Although we often equate risk with dare-devil type personalities – those who roll in a barrel down Niagara Falls, or those who attempt things like sky-diving or bull-fighting – at very heart of it all, risk-taking is about making yourself vulnerable in the face of something.
It is generally acknowledged as fact that a life well-lived involves an element of risk. Calculated risk can be a very good thing; it’s that scenario in which you aren’t sure of the outcome, but you weigh out the pros and cons of your choice, decide that the pros outweigh the cons in some measure, and then go for it. The thing about “risk” is that by definition there are no guarantees. Sometimes, despite having weighed the odds, even the most well-calculated risk can backfire. I know.
Five years ago, I took what I considered a very calculated risk. In this particular case, the risk was one involving a relationship. I chose to address a concern with an individual, in a group environment, and the entire scenario went sideways – fast.
Despite my choice to be grounded, direct, firm and simultaneously as soft as possible in my approach, my impact was anything but grounded or soft. The person on the receiving end of my address “exploded”, resulting in palpable tension in the space. I took a risk, and it didn’t pay off – at least not in the way I would have liked.
So, what did I learn from the experience? What do I know now about risk-taking that I didn’t really know before? Here are a few of the tangible lessons that I’d like to share:
1. Risk is risk. Sometimes, despite weighing the odds and determining the “best” course of action, the outcome is less than desirable.
2. When you take a risk and put yourself out there, some will respect you for it.
3. When you take a risk and put yourself out there, some will despise you for it.
4. Taking a risk requires commitment; if you’re going to take a chance, you need to “stay the course” even if things backfire.
5. Commitment does not mean being pig-headed; if you’ve made a mistake, you need to own it and move on. Accountability is a part of commitment.
6. Commitment does mean standing your ground – with integrity. It’s not about making others wrong, it’s not about losing your cool, and it is about being patient and grounded.
7. Once you’ve taken a risk, regardless of the outcome, you need to give yourself time to let things settle.
8. If things go well, celebrate your success graciously.
9. If things go sour, take time to evaluate –don’t sulk.
10. Once the dust settles – good or bad – learn the lesson and move on.
Bottom-line: risk-taking is about living your life with purpose, with intention and with a view to stretching yourself. It’s about showing up fully and being all of you, in any circumstance. Sometimes the outcome will be greater than you could have imagined. Sometimes it will backfire. And when you take the time to learn the lesson from the experience, regardless of the outcome, risk-taking with clarity is always worth the price you pay.