Imagine you are given an opportunity that could be the chance of a lifetime…but there’s a catch. You can’t pull it off on your own and there is risk involved. You know without a doubt this is a risk worth taking. What do you do?
Successful leaders will tell you that taking risks is part of their job. But the other part of the job that rarely gets talked about is how to lead a team when you are ready to take the jump.
Taking risks doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavor. Make the process less stressful by applying this 2-step method
1. Get all the facts
Do research and explore your options. Find stats to support your decision and list the reasons why this risk is worth taking.
2. Get your team give input
Give your team a chance to voice their thoughts and concerns. They might bring up a point you haven’t considered.
Following these steps will solidify your reasons for taking the risk, and will ensure you don’t leave your team behind.
Now, imagine you are presented with the same incredible opportunity. There are still two catches, only this time you’re unsure if this decision is the right next step.
You are bound to have points in your career when you’re not 100% certain about a decision. As a leader, how do you instill confidence in your team about a risky idea or concept when you might not feel so confident about it yourself?
Don’t worry, we have steps for that, too:
1. Be honest
Admit that you don’t know. Your team will appreciate you being upfront. By being honest, you give your team a chance to get involved in the decision. Then, after considering the options, if you still think that it is right to take the risk, you make the call. If you decide to take the risk, follow the next step.
2. Ask for a team together/team apart execution
Team together happens when your team aligns as a whole to make the decision. Then, once the decision is made, everyone must be a team apart. They choose to follow the decision, even if they don’t entirely agree. They know it’s time to move forward and they set out to execute the decision to the best of their abilities.
Once your team is on board, put your sights ahead and give it your best shot. Stay on course, and only change if the data shows you’re headed in the wrong direction.
Hopefully, you will have the success that comes with taking risks, but even if you don’t, at least you’ll know that you were smart about it.
