Dear Wonderful Woman,

I hope you're well.

I have been enjoying a change of scenery, this week because I am in Weymouth accompanying my Husband to the Laser Nationals. He is enjoying his passion of sailing. He is excited to learn from peers and more experienced sailors. It doesn't matter to him that he's not going to rank in the top 20 best sailors in the competition. He is truly valuing the learning, improving his skills, and taking risks about implementing the things he's been taught just days or hours before he begins a race! He really believes that for his performance to improve he has to embrace change and to take calculated tactical risks. 

I have also recently been thinking about taking calculated risks in your career. I've been thinking about why you must be prepared to take a career risk, in order to reach your greatest potential in your work and career. I also think that taking a career risk, is much broader then it sounds. What springs to mind when you think about taking a career risk?

Is it career change, is it starting a business or changing jobs? It could be any of those things or it could be something different. I want you to also consider some other ideas that you may not think of as a career risk, that can advance your personal growth, and help you to attain your career goals.

I'd like you to consider these 5 tips for making a calculated career risk. Check out the tips below: 

1 Ask for more responsibilities

Being proactive and asking for more responsibilities helps you grow, learn new skills, and advance your experience. You don't know when that promotion opportunity may come. So by being proactive, you are giving yourself the opportunity to take a risk, and to go for an unexpected career opportunity that arises. 

2 Speak-up and share your opinion even if it's an unpopular view

Learning to speak-up and share your opinion is such a valuable skill in terms of your communication and leadership skills. Taking a calculated risk and sharing an un-popular opinion can demonstrate your confidence and expertise to your boss and teammates. If your boss is level-headed and fair this could earn you respect and further opportunities. If you don't have a good boss and despite you demonstrating the evidence as to your reasoning for your view, it could also be an opportunity for you to take a calculated risk to find a different role within the company. Or you may decide that it's time to move on if the culture in the company doesn't respect a range of view points on a persistent basis. 

3 Say Yes to things and opportunities outside of your comfort zone 

In order for you to reach your potential, you're going to have to step outside of your comfort zone! You'll need to feel the fear and do it anyway, because that is the best way for you to expand, grow, and for you to reach your potential. So, when you're asked to work on something that stretches you a little, or to give a presentation, to speak about your work or whatever it is you'd normally resist, say "Yes!" Take a calculated risk that the experience will enable you to take greater risks, that will lead to you attaining your biggest career dreams. 

4 Expand your work portfolio 

You have so many talents, skills, and abilities that you should explore. Using your skills and talents outside of your direct work, is a great way to diversify your income streams, give back or to make the impact that you'd like in your career. Take the risk and get involved in side projects, voluntary projects, mentoring, and sharing your expertise because the world needs what you have to offer. Stepping into using all your gifts and talents, will enable you to see new opportunities, and the risks worth pursuing, to contribute to something that you really believe in.  

5 Embrace Fear! 

Taking a career risk can be scary, it's only natural to have some concerns. You can't let the fear hijack you making a decision that could enable you to attain your biggest career dreams. In reflecting on your fear, know that there are things that you can control and focus on those things. Take action on what you can control. With what you can't control, believe that you can handle any outcome. Having confidence in your ability to learn, find solutions, and overcome your challenges will enable you to take calculated career risks. Believe in your ability to handle any outcome, so that fear of failure cannot stand in your way! 

I hope you are inspired to take more calculated career risks, because I know you're ready to go for your biggest career dreams! Last week, I mentioned that I was launching the Succeed at Failure Workshop and free 4 day challenge. Save the dates of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th September at 7PM UK time if you're interested in joining us. I'll be sharing more about that in the bonus email on Thursday.

Warm Regards,

Ekua 💛

P.S. Taken the Career Clarity Quiz recently? Want help with making plans to take positive intentional action for September, book your free Action Results Call.