Taking Smart Risks in Your Career (Free Assessment)
Taking Smart Risks in Your Career
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This article was written to convey the importance of taking small, smart chances, especially in the administrative world. You are your own advocate, and no one is going to take the chance for you, so you need to be equipped with the tools to take that 1st leap. Below you will find important steps worth taking and tips to get you going in the right direction. Once you’ve read this article, please be sure to take the assessment at the bottom to see where you fall with taking chances and where you might improve.
The Benefit of Taking Risks: What You Need to Know
As an administrative professional, taking smart chances (aka risks) can be a key factor in your success. It's important to remember that taking chances doesn't mean being reckless or careless. Instead, it means being willing to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things that have the potential to bring positive results.
You would start by defining your goals and assessing the benefits and risks of each opportunity. Consider the potential impact on your company, your team, and yourself, as well as the possible consequences if things don't go as planned. Remember, “you aren’t guaranteed a perfect life.” - Hilani. Seek advice from colleagues, mentors, or other professionals who have experience with similar situations.
Once you've weighed the pros and cons, develop a strategy for how you will approach the risk:
Set clear goals and objectives.
Identify potential obstacles and challenges.
Develop a strategy for how you will mitigate or overcome them.
Remember, taking smart risks can also involve learning from failure. If things don't go as planned, (remember Hilani’s quote from above) take the time to reflect on what went wrong and what you can do differently. Failures offer at least one lesson which expands your experiences so you can grow and develop as a professional.
Some examples of smart risks that would increase your value to your role would be:
Taking on projects outside of your comfort zone
Proposing new ideas and solutions
Networking with professionals in your industry
Pursuing additional education/training
Using radical candor (knowing your audience is paramount)
The Impact of Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s important to find a balance between taking smart risks and being cautious in order to achieve success in your career. Playing it safe at work can be detrimental to your career and limit personal and professional development opportunities. Some of the dangers that can come with that are:
Missed opportunities for growth and advancement.
Lack of creativity and innovation.
Loss of confidence.
Stagnation in your skills and abilities.
Bear in mind, taking smart risks can be a great way to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. But it's essential to be informed, prepared, and strategic in your approach. Lastly, always communicate your ideas and plans with trusted advisors.
Launch Pad:
Be clear on your goals and what you hope to gain from taking the risk.
Consider both the potential benefits and downsides and make a plan for both outcomes.
Start small to build confidence and work your way up to bigger risks.
Embrace your mistakes as that’s where the learning is.
Trust your instincts.