Hello I'm Brian Cooke.

This is Note # 12 on Big Career Questions.

Can you distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable risk?

Here are some keys to evaluate risk and make winning business and career choices.

Comfort. Being too comfortable is a sign you are missing opportunities. Success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. New opportunities flow to leaders who look for them. Expect to be uncomfortable if you expect to advance. Learn something new every day that makes you better, smarter, or stronger.

Caution. Being too cautious may be the greatest risk of all. Although it is wise to recognize and mitigate risk, it is also important, to accept risk if you expect to advance. Make small bets to test your assumptions. Learn quickly from losing bets. Move quickly to scale your winning bets into bigger successes!

Competency. Risk is more reasonable when we know what we are doing. Choose new roles, responsibilities, and projects that align with your strengths. Keep sharpening and updating your professional and technical skills. Choose competent teammates and business partners. Hang out with positive professionals who make you smarter and encourage you to play a bigger, better or different game!

For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.

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