I have recently been discussing the subject of Risk. Risk means different things to different people and organisations, depending on whether you are an early stage venture or well established business/charity for example. Personally, I see it as risk management and risk taking – or good and bad risk. Risk management means controlling those things that might go wrong in an organisation, and that might bring you down (or keep you awake at night) and risk taking is investing, developing or changing your regular or new business. It’s quite a tricky balance in any organisation whatever your size.
In a huge steady organisation (similar to an ocean liner) then you have perhaps thousands of staff, procedures and processes to keep a steady handle of. It can be hard to keep a check of those but personally I think the biggest risk with an ocean liner organisation is that you miss opportunities if you don’t allow yourself (or your staff) to think creatively and allow them room to expand and grow. What that growth could bring could be not only increased profits or social impact, but also immeasurable opportunities for individuals to expand and grow as well. Unless we give people those opportunities to think differently how do we know what the staff on that liner might be capable of?
On the other hand, early-stage small ventures are more like hovercrafts – skimming the surface at break-neck speed whilst negotiating tricky obstacles. Processes and procedures might not be quite as formal, expansive and meticulously managed, but it really does allow freedom of thought, creativity and frankly, fun, for the individuals (along with plenty of sleepless nights and exhausted weekends). I guess it really depends on the individual, but today one of my new team members remarked on how exciting and confidence building it was to be trusted to try new ideas and be creative in their role in an emerging, fast growing social venture. They didn’t feel that on board the ocean liner.
I know, its horses for courses and I would love to hear whether you feel you prefer the ocean liner or the hovercraft work experience?
Sally
