What do you do if your employees are resistant to taking risks and thinking outside the box?

It always happen that when one has to take decision,people becomes speculative about its consequences. Most of the time our mind tend to lean towards the negative impacts of the decision because every decision involve certain level of risk. Even not taking any decision is itself a risk. Thereby making them confident that at least taking out of the box decisions will lead them one step ahead,rather than being just staying at one place. It is just unlocking their apprehensions and helping them to visualise the brighter side of what lying beyond the risk....

It is imperative to understand where the fear is coming from. Commonly, fear comes from our past experiences and it is no different with our team members. Sometimes, a former manager threatened them or something didn't really go as expected, for example, and our memory will register the fact and the feelings that come with it. So, understanding the source of the fears is the first step on 'going beyond' right after.

If the employees are fear of thinking out of the box in terms of providing solution, it’s a good sign as they’re fully aware of the risk possessed to the company, not only them. So, if the company allows and wants them to think out of the box, it’s better to mention the risk is fully responsible by the company and always ensure they’ve got you or the company back and support.

A lot of us are scared to be open and communicate that we're scared to take risks. Sometimes we think it's just us and are unsure if others feel the same. It's important to create a space where your team feel comfortable to be open. This might be ensuring you're meeting them regularly or even taking them off-site to a fresh environment. By actively showing you want to listen to your team and care about what they say will allow them to make contributions and understand their fears.

In my perspective, setting examples as a leader is crucial for cultivating a culture of innovation and risk-taking within the team. By personally embracing calculated risks and openly sharing the outcomes, I can show that it's not about avoiding failure but about learning and growing from it. Sharing success stories of innovation in our industry reinforces the idea that taking risks can lead to significant advancements, inspiring my team to think boldly and pursue new ideas fearlessly.

Taking risk requires role model or the environment where encourages the behaviour. So if you’re a leader in the team, take the risk first before pushing others to take the risk, and the environment of your company should with the perception of outcome as learning process regardless of failure or success.

Once the innovative solution being proven by the market, should give the credits to the person who dare to think big and creatively despite with the struggles in convincing others at the beginning. Remember: the bravery of expressing the idea is more valuable than the permission of granting the idea.

Taking creative approach requires to take greater risk compares ‘safe’ approach, so constantly evaluate and review to stay updated is crucial to avoid putting your company in taking a risk that you’re able to afford.

Taking creative approach requires to take greater risk compares ‘safe’ approach, so constantly evaluate and review to stay updated is crucial to avoid putting your company in taking a risk that you’re able to afford.

Give them a true challenge. Too many individuals don't believe in their abilities. Everyone has strengths and may just need guidance or even a little nudge. Give people an opportunity to prove themselves and allow them to fail or fall short of the challenge you give out. If they don't succeed, you just found one way that didn't work. If they fall short of the goal, you're further along than when you started.