Taking chances does not hold the same degree of risk for everyone. Depending on the size of your company, or perhaps the geographic reach your company has within an industry, it’s different for every C.E.O.
“Risk” can have a different meaning to each leader, based on personality. Just because you are a C.E.O., it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are a risk-taker…or does it? You can’t really wait for someone else to tell you when its a good time to move forward. YOU need to know what to do, and it comes from your gut, right? So if you know in your gut that it’s time to leap and take the risk, for goodness’ sake, LEAP!
As the C.E.O., you have a lot of people watching your every move. Your staff follows your lead, but there are always a few who will pounce, and take advantage if you show a sign of weakness. Once you make your decision to take the risk and move forward, DON’T BACK DOWN! Those who stay strong, lead strong followers who further the cause through the ranks. On the flip-side, if you are wishy-washy about your decision, it allows the nay-sayers to step in and wreak havoc and confusion. And while it may be human nature to doubt yourself, if you let it show, it could start to put cracks in the organization.
What are signs that a crack or leak is developing?
Teams not working together
Poor communications
Loss of revenue
Falling behind (Losing the lead in your industry)
High turnover
Instituting change is necessary for the growth of every company, but it entails taking risks. Change can be difficult for some on your team, because it means doing something different from what they are accustomed to doing. Yes, change disrupts, challenges routine and often instills fear. But it is also necessary for growth and success, and ultimately, it shows you who the true team players are. The strong will stand out. Don’t make them stand alone!