A Risky Business !
GLORIA Steinhem, the feminist guru once remarked, " If you are not hearing `no' at least once a day, you are not trying enough new things." Most of us are wary of being adventurous with our careers or of taking unnecessary risks.
We are so afraid of failing that we would rather take a failure-proof road to success than tread the road less travelled.
In these days when everything is measured in quotients it will not be wrong to assume that there is indeed a risk quotient (RQ) for everyone. Risk taking is not necessarily a bad thing. You just need to have oodles of confidence and the panache to see it through. But be careful, that in the bid to be adventurous, you do not short-circuit your career in the bargain.
How `risk prone' are you? Check it out:
Are you one of the few people in the office who often comes up with offbeat and unusual ideas?
You take up challenges that sometimes prove costly
You often propose to do things differently in a way no one else does
You are least bothered about seniority. If you have a good idea you will take it to the people who can make the best use of it Even if they are not from your department.
You are really raring to go if your boss asks you to throw out the tried and tested way of looking at things and asks your team to look at problems in a new way. It's your idea of having fun at work!
`Drinking life to the lees', said Tennyson. Indeed living a full life involves taking risks. And how you approach the idea of risk taking will have an impact on your career. Making a career decision involves taking physical, emotional and financial risks.
The typical risk taking style of people varies. For instance you may be quick to take emotional risks, but be cautious when it comes to physical risks.
However, the only way to grow professionally and personally is to work at becoming a competent risk taker.
Settling in your comfort zone may be a tempting thought but it will also stagnate your growth.
It is possible to improve your risk taking abilities so that your performance is enhanced. The more comfortable you are at taking risks and handling the resultant fear of failure, the better you will be at adapting.
If, on the other hand you discover that your risk quotient is high you may like perhaps to tone down your rash and impulsive nature. This is how :
Never risk more than you are willing to lose.
Research your other options, which can reduce the risk. Realise what could be the consequences of your actions or decisions.
Consider what might happen if you decide not to take a chance. Sometimes doing nothing is the most risky proposition.
Be prepared for the fact that sometimes taking an unwarranted risk may result in loss.
Go with the maxim : `Nothing ventured , nothing gained' but take care to rein in the daredevil in you ,once in a while.
PADMA
padma.hyd@cnkonline.com
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