Risky Leadership

By Barry Heads II

So you want to be a celebrated leader? You want your decisions to prove to be extremely effective? Maybe you want to live anonymously, but you still want your actions to be productive, don't you?

What risks are you currently taking?

Risky Leadership examines these questions and more. Whether your leadership prowess deals with decisions in an office, your home or a school, the ability to take and handle risks is one of the primary needs of a highly successful and distinguished leader. Everyone takes risks. It is the ability to take risks that demote or distinguish the best leaders. Which will you take?

Interviews with:
-Patrick Bet-David, Entrepreneur
-Ivana Chubbuck, Hollywood Acting Coach
-Fr. Patrick J. Conroy, Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives
-Fereshteh Forough, Code to Inspire
-Dr. Joseph LeDoux, Neuroscientist at New York University
-David S. Rose, Angel Investor & Inc 500 CEO
-etc.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Heads II
• Release date: Aug 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005109929

Book preview

You’re silent: that’s a risk. Most people don’t understand the risk of silence. I happen to understand the risks of silence because I’ve been studying them for forty years.

—Jordan Peterson

Start, start, start. Just start! As the world knows, taking any significant risk is exquisitely terrifying. I go into restaurants and business offices. I walk into shoe stores and movie theaters, and I ask people what they would do with their lives if they were not working in their present location. Obviously, I receive an assortment of responses. Some people say they know what they want to do, but they don’t make the attempt to try and move in the direction of their desires. Some people stare at me with a blank face, and others tell me they’re doing exactly what they want to do.

As with the beginning of this book, a major portion of reaching our desires in life revolves around simply starting the process of attaining what we seek. The issue is not the joy of reaching a desired end; quite often, the issue is the unknown process of the journey to the destination. In all, the gratification of a desire fulfilled is not all human beings focus on. We also focus on the danger of the journey. This danger is what we typically call risk.

In many cases, this four-letter word incites a larger response than the obscenities people use in verbal spats. Hearing the word risk promotes fear in a number of children and adults.

Some of the synonyms for risk are danger, peril, threat, chance, hazard, and possibility. Should there be any wonder why masses of people are controlled by fear when they hear the word risk in their lives?

All humans are faced with risks, and this challenge is actively engaged in every day. Being conscious of taking a risk is not necessary for one to engage in risky activities. Humans face risks when they get into their automobiles and drive to work. The inherent risk is the possibility of getting into a car accident. Humans take risks with their selection of food during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Will they consume something that nourishes their body or harms their body? There is yet another risk in investing in the stock market, especially for those who believe in financial security. Is there really such a thing as financial security?

Why do we get on roller coasters? Why do we go on blind dates? Why do we go to casinos? Why do we spend hard-earned dollars on food at restaurants we've never tried? All of these actions require that an individual take a risk, and believe it or not, risks bring novelty and fun into our lives.

-THE MEANING OF RISK-

The essence of the word risk was inherited from the Greeks. It was pronounced as rhiza, meaning cliff, or riziiko meaning fortune. The Italians took the word and fashioned it into risco or rischiare, which meant danger or to run into danger. In due time the French changed it to risqué or risquer. The Persians called it roc, meaning day. In Syriac it was termed rezqa, meaning daily ration. In Arabic, the word meant, that which God allots.

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, in the modern age, the word risk means the possibility of loss or injury, or someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.

I find risk-taking fundamentally challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. Thus, I’ve come to a greater understanding why people don’t take significant risks in their personal lives. Many people refuse to take risks with their spouses, with their children, in their careers and even growing spiritually. People don’t go after their desires because it can be quite frightening. Taking an enormous risk is a challenge.

By asking people about their careers and general instances of danger in their lives, I’ve come to a greater understanding of human nature. I saw myself in many of the people who didn’t change their career, or didn’t forgive someone for causing them pain. I saw myself in people who delayed making a financial investment that later caused them the agony of a missed opportunity. This usually occurs because they are too afraid to take a risk in becoming a better person or are feeling the pain and uncertainty of a risk taken. If a risk is taken and proves to be successful, there is the new pressure of responsibility that comes with success. Making risky decisions at the proper time concerns both one’s personal life and life as a public leader.

To put it plainly, leaders who fail to make risky decisions are mediocre. Life is risky. Careers are risky. Developing relationships with people can be strikingly risky. There is a reason why the age-old saying continues to be passed down through the generations: little risk, little reward. Big risk, big reward.

Someone may ask, how do I know when I’m taking a risk? There are many responses, but one way any human can know is by the unnerving response of tumultuous feelings. It’s a movement toward the unknown. That is why the ancients alluded to the words cliff and fortune to describe the depths of taking a risk.

A cliff has two sides to it. It is the end of one landscape and the beginning of another. Fortune has two sides to it. It suggests the prize of various riches while also holding the opposite aspects of pressure, envy, lack of privacy and attacks simultaneously.

Taking a risk in life is being in the unknown, and being in the unknown is perfect for growth. Ironically, the perfect place for failure is also the unknown.

-THE RISK TUNNEL-

Everyone is quite aware of risks. It’s not that humans don’t take risks in their lives. It’s more often than not what we choose to risk that causes a man or woman to vacillate between a multitude of decisions. This is simply a part of the risk tunnel. A risk tunnel is the overall process of analyzing a risk, taking it, dealing with its pressures and finally assessing the result of a risk taken.

Risk, or the concept of a risk tunnel, is what this book explores. Why? Because, risks are important opportunities in life. We face risks every day; thus, there is no where one can go to absolve one’s self from the constant barrage of risks in life. Risks are crucial to increasing one’s potential and success as a person or leader. Thus, it would be wise to study risky decisions and improve one’s ability to analyze, take, endure and receive positive results from them.

I compare the idea of risk to a tunnel because it is quite like a tunnel. Tunnels are used to get goods or people to a desired destination. So, do risks. I have the ability to decide to enter a tunnel or take a longer way to my destination. So, goes with risks. Tunnels are often dark and narrow. So are many risks. Tunnels may have a number of exits or simply one. So, do risks. Tunnels can be long or short. So are risks.

-THE 5 CATEGORIES OF RISK-

There is a challenge in taking many risks that we don’t find in all areas of life. Sometimes, we don’t have the opportunity to develop ourselves in an effort to get better at risk-taking. For example, a chef can get better at cooking by experimenting with a new recipe. A painter can become a better artist by spending hours working with a canvas. But, there are risks that the average human can’t always prepare for. In this case, to get better at risk-taking, one should try to improve in stages. One may call it risk repetition. The central idea of risk repetition can be divided into five categories.

These categories include reading, visualization, acquiring mentors, exposure therapy and what I call layered risk.

Risk repetition is linked to the practice of taking progressively higher risks. When we invest in a stock, we open a door to risk. We start small, then eventually invest higher and higher amounts of funds into a company.

When the CEO of a marketing company invites a new employee into their business, the CEO is taking a risk on the individual. The new hire may start as an intern. An intern has a very limited scope of work; therefore, the risk to the marketing company is limited. But over time, as the intern improves herself, she gains more responsibility in a position that conducts administrative tasks. In due time, if she is capable, she is promoted to manager. Thus, she has more responsibility. With more responsibility, she presents a bigger risk to the CEO, the company's financial future, and the employees she manages. If the individual who once held the job as intern is moved into a position as director, the risk the CEO takes on her is even higher. But, the wise CEO has taken those risks incrementally.

The first of the five categories of risk repetition deals with reading. To improve one’s likelihood of going through a risk and succeeding, reading is a relatively easy, cost-efficient and fun route to take. There are free books in libraries, magazines and free online articles that give knowledge for many of the risks we face in life. These books and their practical wisdom remain unused because humans bask in the ills of laziness.

Learning from other’s experiences is a simple and practical way to become successful when risks are taken. How many people read at least two books on marriage before committing to someone in an arrangement that can last forty to fifty years? Few take the time to prepare themselves and read before embarking on the great journey. That is probably a reason why so many people get divorced. Reading can give you decades of someone else’s life experience within a few hours. It outlines potential failures or avenues that may have never come to your consciousness.

The second category of risk repetition is visualization. The greats use visualization to build. It’s a positive activity which provides foresight to avoid the dangers of risks. If I were to climb a mountain (I’ve done small climbs in Yosemite), I would take time to visualize my route to the top. I would take into account the potential pitfalls. I would assess how much food, water or luggage was needed to get to the top. Visualization is a powerful option to assist in the success of a risk taken. If not used, the lack of proper preparation for an upcoming risk can lead to failure. Visualize yourself going through a goal and getting it. Hear what your peers say to you and the benefits received from accomplishing your goal. The visualization may come true if you continue to put forth continued effort.

The third category of risk repetition includes acquiring mentors. This can be a daunting task. You are putting yourself into the arena and you can be rejected. But the idea of being trampled on or ignored by someone you respect is of little importance compared to the assistance, wisdom and growth that will present itself once you have connected with a phenomenal mentor. It may take weeks, months or years to find a mentor, but keep searching. The assistance of a mentor is like an energy drink to triathlon athletes. They boost your leadership capabilities, and they boost your ability to effectively take risks. Mentors open you up to years of learning in a relatively short span.

The best leaders acquire mentors and they always seek to learn. Unfortunately, it takes time to connect with a mentor who is trustworthy, but you may find a mentor by reading their books, articles or listening to their speeches. They may not be available to you directly, but you can follow them from afar and learn.

The fourth category of risk repetition is what some psychologists call exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is important and factors into the concept of risk repetition because it allows leaders to adjust to the fears and new experiences risks bring into an environment. For example, if a patient is afraid of a snake, a psychologist can bring a cage holding a snake inside of it into a room. The first day, the psychologist leaves the cage in the room for one minute, then he removes it from the room and out of the sight of the patient. The second day, the psychologist leaves the cage in the room for three minutes and repeats the previous process. The third day, the psychologist leaves the cage inside of the room for five minutes and asks the patient to walk up to it and touch it. Once again, the removal process is completed. On the fourth day, the psychologist opens the cage.

Indeed, with the use of exposure therapy, the psychologist presents the patient with the objects he fears. And in due time, the patient’s fears are released or dealt with, and the awakening of a new individual arises through it.

In the case of leadership, a leader can use this phenomenon with themselves or with their team. Exposure therapy is useful in adjusting to new technology or improved ways of marketing.

The final category of risk repetition includes layered risk. Layered risk is simply taking risks in multiple areas of life in close time proximity. For example, I can take on a new project at work or I can begin to engage in public speaking with a volunteer group. I can participate in a new art class or I can learn a new language. I can try to cook a new recipe for my friends and family, or I can go tour a new home. Taking risks in a number of areas gets your mind and body adjusted to being in the unknown.

Dealing with the surge of uncertainty, emotions, failure and public criticism can be daunting. But layered risk allows leaders to prepare for this with the use of failure and adaptation. After becoming accustomed to layered risk, one is now better prepared for taking a risk in an area they vastly want to improve. They are used to being uncomfortable. They have learned to be stable in an environment filled with uncertainty. They have adjusted to the rising emotions failure brings to the surface of life. And they are less sensitive to public criticism. Whether a leader decides to take a risk in their business, marriage or physical health, the confidence necessary for taking a risk and being successful has been developed from engaging in layered risk.

In closing, I had several opportunities to speak with the former Secretary of Defense for the United States of America. His name is Leon Panetta. On one occasion, he left a piece of wisdom with me that I will never forget. After asking him a question on the topic of leadership he said, Leadership by its very nature demands that you have to take risks. And if you’re not willing to take risks, you’re not going to be a good leader.

Since the moment he released that thought from his lips, I have continued to ponder it. And his words are a portion of the inspiration for this book. I was already in the process of trying to understand why people choose to or choose not to make transformational decisions in their life, but his thoughts on authority cemented some of my thoughts on life and leadership.

Outstanding leaders are the unreasonable, irrational and responsible members of society. This book will attract these people. Congratulate yourself for taking precious seconds from your life to improve yourself.

As this work unfolds, you will find a number of stories from the past, statistics, personal ideas and interviews with leaders who are still living today in the 21st Century. They will all assist you with the special life of a leader and the risks that are involved. I am eternally grateful to the experts who participated in this project, the hundreds of people participating in the surveys and being able to pass this knowledge along. Enjoy your journey, enjoy the risk tunnel and enjoy this book.

* * * *

Risky Decisions

Question: What is the riskiest decision you’ve made in your life?

• Mariana, Female, Age 30: I jumped out of an airplane. It’s a big rush, but after you let go, it’s not that bad. I was 20.

• Emily, Female, Age 26: I left my home and my family. Then I moved to a new country and a new environment.

• Alex, Male, Age 28: I asked the CEO of a company for an internship in a department I was interested in. She said yes and helped me. Everyone told me not to ask her or bother her because it could hurt my career.

• Adriano, Male, Age 34: The Amazing Race in Israel.

Statistics

There is nothing more important than the ability to pay attention. Pay attention and speak the truth, your truth.

—Jordan Peterson

Question: We take risks in life. Which decisions require higher amounts of risk: decisions we make in life that deal with money or decisions that deal with people?

I study the two subjects that are widely regarded as issues to be discussed in private. They bring a certain level of risk when spoken about openly in America and across the world. I have a B.A. in Political Science and I’m pursuing a Master’s in Divinity (religion). My fields of study are risky; many think politics and religion don’t mix. That assumption is false. They are some of the more important topics in life, and its odd most refrain from speaking on such critical things. The two subjects raise passions and create areas of fear or the unknown in the human mind. It is a risk.

Thus, I am familiar with taking risks, yet still relatively uncomfortable in them. When I began asking strangers my survey question, I was engaging in a considerable risk every time I walked up to a stranger and asked them about the idea we call risk. Asking strangers for help is humbling, and you will never know what kind of information you’ll receive. Ninety percent of those I asked were quite receptive. When I asked this question, often people got squeamish. They would say things like, Do I have to choose one? People would also say, The question is really broad. Others would pause after listening, then say, When you say money, are you talking about investing or changing jobs? When you say people, what exactly are you speaking of? I even heard someone say, Is this a trick question?

I wouldn't give the