The Courage to Lead and Take Risks

A photo of Alex Honnold standing on the iconic “Thank God Ledge” in Yosemite National Park reminded me of my own brush with daunting heights. Years ago, I belly-crawled through a precarious section of the Sedona Mountains, knowing one misstep could spell disaster. As I inched forward, I prayed that my group stayed in sync and kept my eyes fixed ahead, refusing to look down.

This experience mirrors the challenges leaders face when venturing into unknown territory. Rarely do team members want to leave the comfort of familiarity to explore risky or uncharted paths. Yet, as leaders, it’s our responsibility to take our teams, organizations, and even ourselves to new heights.

The Risk of Staying Still

Going out on a limb for someone or something requires tremendous courage. It can paralyze even the most capable leaders. However, the bigger risk lies in not acting. If we refuse to grow or transform, failure becomes inevitable. The recent pandemic has underscored this truth.

The Reward of Taking Action

While leaving your comfort zone can feel uneasy, the sense of accomplishment that comes from calculated risks is unmatched. I vividly remember the triumph I felt upon reaching the summit of that mountain. Similarly, in the workplace, a sense of achievement is a powerful motivator for teams.

The Call to Lead

Leadership often requires going first, taking the leap into uncertainty while inspiring others to follow. Taking chances on new ideas, strategies, or directions might be intimidating, but the rewards of calculated risks far outweigh the initial discomfort. It’s through these leaps that meaningful change becomes possible.

What risks are you willing to take to reach new heights?