Risk taking is typically not a natural inclination for most people yet we live in a world that mandates change is inevitable and therefore is seen by many as risk. What if you were able to change your model of the world by thinking in terms of performing experiments to achieve the desired outcome vs. taking risks which infers a possible opportunity for failure? What if someone told you there were no negative consequences in not achieving the desired outcome first time out of the chute? Would you feel more comfortable with stepping outside of your comfort zone if you had a strategy which guaranteed you that you could redirect your activities to ensure “success” or scrub the plan completely? Thinking in terms of “experiments” vs. “risk” allows you to do just that. Let’s examine the steps you might explore to “experiment” with a new approach to reach both a positive outcome and achieve the desired change.
1. Determine what the desired outcome would be. What would it look like? What would it feel like? How would you or others know if you had accomplished this?
2. Define a series of small steps that advance you closer to achieving your desired outcome or goal. Be specific about what evidence will be there to support your successful completion of each step. Be honest with yourself. If you can’t support the evidence, regroup and execute upon another small strategy that will allow you to arrive at the same place before moving on to the next step in your plan.
3. Enlist the aid of a trusted accountability partner. That may be a coach, a mentor, a co-worker, etc. Ask them for their constructive feedback as you move toward your defined desired outcome. Be receptive to their input but also remember that a good accountability partner doesn’t criticize but uses their input constructively and offers suggestions/recommendations on more effective methods for achieving your goal.
4. Test your findings. Observe others as they observe the changes they are seeing in you or your business model or sales strategies or whatever your desired outcome is. Are they relating to you more easily, working more productively, becoming a more cohesive team? Again, validate your progress through your observation of its impact on those around you.
5. Lastly, determine at the conclusion of your experiment whether or not you feel you have reached your desired outcome or goal.
If the answer is yes, then congratulations. You have developed a new skill that will only get better with practice. Take a moment to document the steps you took to arrive at the new model of your world. Also, give yourself permission to feel good about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new techniques through experimentation vs. the dreaded “change equals negative/fearful” mindshare that you may have been plagued with in the past. Don’t forget to offer your appreciation to your accountability partner and share your new found model for success with those around you.
However, if the answer is no, go back and assess how closely you followed the steps outlined above. Determine when you failed to recognize that the steps you were taking were not delivering the results you desired. Once you identify the pitfalls, go back and try your experiment one more time. I’m confident you will experience a better outcome and will have honed new skills that will continue to serve you well. Congratulations on allowing your model of the world to change.
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