We all know that taking risks \u2013 the kind that will pull you into the C-suite or grow your business or simply change your outlook on risk-taking as a woman \u2013 is a defining characteristic for those who are successful.\u00a0 When deciding whether this risk or that risk is the right thing to do, you should be aware of some basic concepts to help you examine your options and ask yourself the most important question, \u201cIs this a Smart Risk?\u201d<\/p>\n
The risk can potentially be the kind that will give you the courage to jump to new levels, to go beyond what you thought was possible.\u00a0 Many women tend to be cautious by taking baby steps, yet jumping levels is exciting.\u00a0 Picture grasping the brass ring, the position you\u2019ve always dreamed of having.\u00a0 At this stage, ask yourself:<\/p>\n
If either answer is yes, it\u2019s time to take the big step.<\/p>\n
Men have no trouble thinking and believing that they are qualified for the next level.\u00a0 In fact, a man will often believe he\u2019s competent enough to advance having acquired one or some of the skills necessary for the next level.\u00a0 While a woman will believe she\u2019s qualified or ready to advance, if she has mastered ALL the skills in the job description.<\/p>\n
For example, a woman often needs to be invited, and sometimes more than once, to take on a new and unfamiliar role, whether it\u2019s being committee chair, advancing to the chief level at work or running for public office.\u00a0 Have you ever heard a man say, \u201cOh, I couldn\u2019t do that?\u201d\u00a0 Well, women, you shouldn\u2019t either!<\/p>\n
As a woman, whatever risk you\u2019re considering will likely be a challenge to the way things have always been done.\u00a0 Women have had to buck history for centuries, so don\u2019t let the way things have been done in the past be your albatross for taking a risk.\u00a0 Women also suffer from wanting to be liked, so please put that need on a shelf and look at your situation with new perspective.\u00a0 When you do, you\u2019ll realize you\u2019re probably ready to take the risk.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, risk-taking has been suppressed in women since they were girls.\u00a0 Think about it this way.\u00a0 Parents, family members and school teachers more commonly discourage girls from taking risks, both academic and physical.<\/p>\n
Personally, I was an only child and my parents were terrified something bad would happen to me.\u00a0 My mom was always telling me to \u201cbe careful, be careful!\u201d\u00a0 Thus, I didn\u2019t learn to ride a bike until I was 12 years old, taught by my best friend in secret.\u00a0 This issue requires consideration from two angles, how it affects our own decision-making and risk-taking as an adult professional, as well as how we may be doing our own daughters a disservice if we\u2019re telling them to be careful all the time.<\/p>\n
You will take smart risks when you have made sure your self-esteem is not wanting.\u00a0 If you believe you\u2019re struggling with low self-esteem, I have a must-read for you: Women and Self-Esteem: Understanding and Improving the Way We Think and Feel About Ourselves<\/span>, by Linda Tschirhart Sanford and Mary Ellen Donovan.\u00a0 Many women worry that they don\u2019t deserve success; harbor fears that they are not bright enough, not talented enough, just not good enough.\u00a0 This book examines how women\u2019s harmful attitudes about themselves are shaped and offers concrete help to help build higher self-esteem.<\/p>\n When deciding whether to take a risk, assess the reality of the situation.\u00a0 Remember, there continues to be a double standard for men and women in the workplace.\u00a0 Failure is perceived differently for a man vs. a woman.\u00a0 When a man fails, the failure is viewed as something that will be fixed and he is given another chance.\u00a0 Unfortunately, when a woman fails, that failure hangs with her and she might be judged by it for much longer.\u00a0 Like so many things, failure is viewed through a different lens for a man, than it is for a woman.<\/p>\n Risk-taking doesn\u2019t always have to be in the workplace to empower you.\u00a0 It\u2019s possible to take a risk that helps you overcome a fear in your personal life.\u00a0 With a lifelong fear of swimming, snorkeling in Jamaica made me feel incredibly empowered to take risks to advance my business.\u00a0 Every time I look at the t-shirt, \u201cI snorkeled the Cali wreck,\u201d it empowers me to take additional risks!\u00a0 Taking a step forward in terms of risk doesn\u2019t always mean a workplace risk.\u00a0 Anything that helps you flex your muscles will move you in the right risk-taking direction.<\/p>\n