For many of us in the workforce, taking risks may mean the difference between being supervised or being supervisor. Knowing how to assess whether taking a risk can be beneficial for you is easy as long as you go about it in the right way.

Take the advice of Scott Greenburg to advance to that next promotion:

 

• Don’t think too much. If you think too much about taking a risk, you’ll psyche yourself into not doing it. You have to act on your thoughts when you feel that the risk is worth taking. If you want to sign up for that promotion, then do it before you start to second guess yourself.
• Go big or go home. If you’re going to take a risk, why not take a huge one! Don’t let small dreams hinder your future. Think of the biggest goal you have, and go for it.
• Embrace failure. Going out on a limb for anything generates fear. Don’t let that fear get you down. Stay positive, but be realistic in knowing that with every risk there comes a chance of failure or rejection. Be prepared to fail more than once, but never give up.
• Focus on the facts. Many people like to focus on their feelings when they are heading into the unknown. Don’t let your feelings stop you from moving forward in your risk-taking behavior. If you want an upper-level management position, then focus on your qualifications. Never focus on your feelings of being fearful to apply.
• Don’t judge yourself. We are our worst critics, so give yourself room to grow. Don’t let others’ judgments of you affect your goal either. You should write down some positive affirmations about yourself. Let these statements guide you and not the criticism of the others.

Remember to use common sense when taking on a business risk. Focusing on the facts is a major area in which people sometimes overlook.

It’s perfectly fine to be worried about taking a risk when all your ducks are in place. When they aren’t, however, it’s best that you prepare before taking that giant leap.

Filed under: Management Minute