Take a Risk!

I got those words of advice - "Take a Risk!" when I took the protective cap off of a new solid anti-perspirant container on Monday. When I bought the product, I had no idea I was getting an informational product as well as a functional one.

Who knew? :)

The advice is short, but very relevant (even if not from the perspective hoped for by the makers of Degree.)

So for a couple of days I have been thinking about the value of this admonishment/advice, and here are some of my thoughts.

If you want to be more creative, you'll need to . . . take a risk. Ask a crazy question. Try an outrageous solution. Prototype with less testing. Something!

If you want to serve your Customers better (even WOW them), you'll need to . . . take a risk. Staying with the tried and true may not upset them, but it won't set them on fire for you and your products/services either.

If you want to be a better leader you'll need to . . . take a risk. Risk caring a bit more. Risk communicating a bit more. Risk sharing more of your vision. Risk being more personal. Risk being more supportive. Any of these things may feel risky, but if you want to improve, they are things you must do.

Taking risks is about way more then crazy stunts or massive gambles (as seen on the Degree website). It is about a mindset that says go for it. The saying goes that the best fruit is at the end of branch, but you have to risk to go get it.

The saying is right.

Take a risk.

You know the risk that is in your mind as you read this.

Take it.

Right now.