Over the past 2 years, I’ve taken a big risk. I’ve spent close to 3000 hours researching and writing a book about risk taking. Thankfully, the writing part is over and my book, Taking Smart Risks, is launching in January.
I say it was a risk because at many points in the process I wished I’d picked a simpler subject—something a little more objective and a little less broad. Something that could be jammed into a simple checklist. But predictably for me, I didn’t. I’ve always wanted to answer tough questions about what drives human performance and this time was no different. I bit off a big topic.
I think I did a good job with it, but who knows. I guess the readers will tell me that. Either way, I’m incredibly happy with how the book turned out. Some of what I did was codify knowledge I already had, but much of it was uncovering wonderful cases and stories of smart risk takers—from big organizations like the Army, Navy, and P&G, to innovative small companies like Thogus Product Companies, to startups like Yipit.com. I finished the process tired but thoroughly inspired by the risk takers in these companies.
I also finished the process clear on what leaders and teams need to do to get better at taking smart risks in their organizations. One of the most powerful things I learned was that the vast majority of risk taking in organizations isn’t the flashy headline-grabbing stuff. Rather it’s the small risks that people take every day. Many small risks, supported by an organization’s culture, is what drives sustainable growth.
In the coming weeks and months I’ll share specific stories and insights I gained. As always, I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
Best,
Doug
