Recently, the Canadian CTV chief news anchor, Lisa LaFlamme, was let go from her position. Reasons reported for her dismissal ranged from a disagreement with top brass over how to cover the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the fact that LaFlamme let her hair go gray. Whatever the reason for her dismissal, she wasn’t about to pack up her desk and slink away quietly. Not her! Instead, she posted a public video on Twitter saying she was “blindsided,” clearly expressing her anger.
Ms. LaFlamme’s decision to speak out publicly is not typical of women in the work world, who tend not to be risk takers. But, an aversion to risk doesn’t necessarily mean that women are more fearful than men. Studies demonstrate that women in business are more hesitant about taking risks. This, in part, is due to the greater negative consequences they suffer than men, when they do. Understandably, concerns about negative outcomes for professional risks would no doubt make you less likely to do so, too.
As a news anchor at one of Canada’s biggest broadcasters, Lisa LaFlamme had a very public profile and many loyal followers. Taking a big risk for her is unlikely to endanger her future employment prospects. But, it seems to be less true for many women in business. As an example, some of my top-level businesswomen clients tell me they really do fear the consequences of taking risks at work.
In an ideal world, gender inequality would not exist and women would be as confident as men when it comes to risk taking. Alas, it is not the case. So, if you’re a businesswoman looking to cultivate a more strategic approach to risk taking in your career, here are three keys to making it happen:
1. Prepare and Plan
There is no magic bullet that will make you more of a risk-taker, but you need to plan your risk-taking adventures in advance. Consider potential outcomes. Think about possible responses from others and plan for how you might meet those responses. Look to your past successes and be prepared to talk about those achievements — they are the foundational piece of your career path.
2. Consider and Revisit
Maybe even with all your thoughtful planning, your risk-taking does not lead you where you hoped it would. Fight the urge to be discouraged. Instead, go back to the drawing board. In the planning process you should have put into place a “plan B.” That’s part of your safety net. Now, you may need to put it in action.
3. Mentor and Coach
Women have so much to offer in the business world. But it’s obvious to me as a coach that we don’t always have good role models when it comes to risk-taking. One of the ways you can move forward is to ensure that you have a good mentor, or a coach.
Recently, one of my friends told me about her business woman daughter who has lived all over the world, making a life for herself wherever she decides to land. I can’t help but admire how this woman pushes herself to keep taking risks. It reminds me of the old saying, one that may just come in handy if you’re torn between staying where you are and taking a risk: If you never try, you’ll never know!
Schedule a 30 minute complimentary phone or video meeting to meet Dr. Sandra Folk. She’ll be happy to talk to you about your business communications challenges.