The silent and scary RISK

“Why should I take risks, Merete? Can you really prove it will benefit me? How can stepping into the unknown possibly help solve high sick leave in my company, or even in society?”

These were the words of a leader hesitant to act, standing on the edge of change, unsure whether to leap. It’s a question many of us face when considering risk: What if I fail? What if I don’t know what happens next?

But here’s the truth: It is impossible to know exactly what will happen next in all situations. Life is unpredictable, and waiting for certainty is a guarantee of stagnation. That’s why risk isn’t just about boldness, it’s about taking a leap of faith, trusting in your capacity to adapt, learn, and grow.

When leaders take this leap, they open themselves, and their teams, to transformative possibilities. Staying still may feel comfortable, but it often leads to disintegration. Only through movement, even uncertain movement, can we discover new paths, solutions, and opportunities.

A leap of faith - A leadership imperative.

Taking risks isn’t just about personal growth, it’s a leadership necessity. Here’s how stepping into the unknown can benefit both you and your business:

1. Facing the Unpredictable:

Risk doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, it teaches us how to navigate it. Leaders who embrace risk prepare themselves and their teams for the unexpected, building resilience and adaptability.

2. Revealing New Possibilities:

When you take a leap of faith, you often uncover talents, strengths, and solutions that would have remained hidden in the safety of your comfort zone.

3. Breaking Stagnation:

High sick leave, for example, is often a symptom of deeper systemic issues, burnout, disconnection, or disengagement. Addressing these requires the courage to step away from “business as usual” and into innovative, human-centered solutions.

Why IGNORANCE is NOT BLISS

Have you hear the phrase, “Ignorance is bliss?” But in leadership, ignorance isn’t bliss, it’s dangerous. Choosing not to think, plan, or act because of fear or uncertainty creates blind spots that can lead to unintended consequences:

? Chronic disengagement within teams

? Poor mental health outcomes

? Environmental and societal ripple effects

Taking risks forces us to confront our assumptions and reimagine what’s possible. This is where the magic happens, where true growth begins.

Leaders as LIGHTHOUSES

Leaders who take the leap of faith become lighthouses, steady beams of light guiding others through uncertainty. But to shine, you must first uncover your own depths. This requires:

? A willingness to challenge outdated paradigms and dogmas.

? Constant reevaluation of your values, beliefs, and actions.

? Trusting yourself enough to act without knowing every step of the journey.

By daring to explore who you are and stepping outside of what’s comfortable, you set an example for your teams and communities to follow.

Breaking FREE from outdated systems

To address challenges like high sick leave or workforce flight , leaders must break free from rigid systems and embrace transformative leadership styles. Here’s how taking risks ties into this evolution:

1. Shift from Control to Trust:

Taking a leap of faith means trusting your team to innovate, collaborate, and contribute their best ideas. Micromanagement stifles; trust empowers.

2. Lead with Humanity:

Recognize that productivity isn’t achieved by grinding people into the ground but by fostering environments where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

3. Redefine Success:

Let go of outdated metrics and embrace goals that prioritize well-being, engagement, and long-term impact.

Action points for taking the leap

1. Commit to the LEAP:

? Identify one area of your leadership or business where fear has held you back.

? Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen if I take a risk? What’s the worst that could happen if I don’t? ? Trust yourself enough to move forward, even without all the answers.

2. Model Vulnerability and Growth:

? Share your willingness to take risks with your team.

? Invite them into the process by creating a safe space for innovation and experimentation.

3. Evaluate and Adjust:

? Monitor the impact of your risk-taking decisions on team dynamics and results.

? Be open to recalibrating your approach based on what you learn.

4. Lead as a Lighthouse:

? Shine your light by stepping boldly into the unknown, inspiring others to do the same.

? Use your position as a leader to cultivate a culture of courage, creativity, and connection.

THE FAITH HIDDEN IN RISK TAKING

It’s impossible to predict every outcome of a leap of faith. That’s what makes it a leap. But in taking that first step, you set in motion a chain of possibilities: growth, learning, and transformation, for yourself, your team, and your organization.

Remember, the parachute doesn’t open until you jump. By embracing risk, you’re not just stepping into the unknown, you’re stepping into your potential as a lighthouse leader, ready to guide others toward a brighter, more innovative future.

I believe leadership should be deeply connected to a personal calling, not merely a skill acquired through conventional education. While leadership can be learned, true mastery comes from a profound study of oneself, a continuous process of deep reflection, humility, and self-discipline. This inner work serves as the foundation for authentic leadership, complementing traditional teachings and unlocking the unique strengths needed to lead with purpose and impact. Finding and embracing your authentic self is challenging but profoundly rewarding, equipping you with the clarity and resilience to succeed.

Want to have a chat? Book a time in my calendar or send me a DM.

#LeapOfFaith #TransformativeLeadership #BreakFreeFromDogma