Friday, 13 September 2013

a successful woman: takes risks


'Be brave. The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.'
Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett-Packard



Successful women are brave. They trust their instincts and act on hunches.  Sure, they will occasionally make decisions that don't turn out well, but taking a calculated risk is better than stagnating for fear of a bad outcome.  Some can be trailblazing, pioneering the way for the rest of the industry.  For example, from the moment Anna Wintour became editor-in-chief of Vogue she wasn't afraid to shake things up.  Notably she began using celebrities rather than models on covers (unheard of at the time).  Although initially criticised it paid off; sales went through the roof and it has since become a popular magazine tactic.

Unfortunately, the risk-taking gene seems to have evolved to a greater extent in the y-chromosome. The evolutionary instinct that helped men hunt for food is still prevalent today (hence they are more likely to be adrenaline junkies and in car accidents).  Of course, this sets them up well for the business world where risk-taking is essential.  We women stayed in the cave doing the much less exciting job of protecting the young, so we're much more sensible in our approach, preferring to keep safe than go out on a limb and risk a catastrophe.  Such traits are perfect for a mother, but not for a businesswoman.

Recently I read an interview with Karen Finerman, an investment manager on Wall Street.  When asked how women sabotage themselves in the workplace, she replies that we're afraid to stretch ourselves.  She says we tend to 'avoid opportunities we don't feel qualified for yet' and advises we should 'grab risky opportunities that will force us to grow on the job and learn to do it.'

No one walks into a new role an expert.  Take Mireille Guiliano, former CEO of Clicquot Inc.  Her career began in public relations despite having had no former training or experience.  In her book Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire she recalls feeling under-qualified and not up to the challenge, but she eventually flourished due to her enthusiasm, personal qualities and natural talent. 'Anyone can learn to write a press release,' she muses, 'We are who we are, but we can learn new things all the time, evolve over time by working hard and smart, and realise our potential.'

Taking smart risks is an essential quality of a 'gutsy girl', according to Kate White, former edtior-in-chief of American Cosmo.  According to her in her book Why Good Girls Don't Get Ahead But Gutsy Girls Do, there is no magic formula to become a risk-taker - our genetic makeup has much to do with it.  Her advice is to practice, and it will get easier in time.   So how do us ladies who lack this gene acquire the guts to make that first move?  She outlines a four-point plan of protection:

1. Re-labelling a 'risk'
Perspective is everything - remember the old adage: optimists see a glass half full, pessimists a glass half empty?  You can view a risk as terrifying, or a challenge.  You can regard it as foreign and out-of-your-depth - or intriguing and interesting, new territory to conquer.  It could expose your ignorance - or ability to learn.

To apply this to my own life, I've just been offered the chance to intern at a travel PR company in November with a view to a paid role if all goes well.  I have no idea whether I'll be any good at it, or whether I'll even enjoy it.  But if I don't try I'll never know.  I would sorely regret stagnating at my current cabin crew job merely because I was too afraid to take the next step.

2. Know exactly what you have to lose
Knowing what's at stake can help you feel more in control.

This internship is unpaid (as per industry standard).  I could have taken a month's unpaid leave from British Airways but wouldn't have been able to survive without a paycheck.  For the sake of dipping my toe in the water, the financial instability would've been too much to risk.  Instead I have chosen to use my annual holiday entitlement.  It might not work out and I will have used up all my paid leave, but I am fully prepared for that outcome.  Besides, I will gain experience and have a clearer view of the PR industry which is worth more than a couple of weeks' holiday.

3. Take smart risks rather than stupid ones
Doing your homework will lead to a well-informed decision that has less chance of failing.

I have been researching the PR industry for a while now.  I've read many books on the subject; subscribe to PR Week, Campaign and Enterprise; follow PR blogs and have read countless articles and interviews with interns to industry leaders.  From what I've gleaned, I'm fairly certain it's for me but I'm glad I clued up on the good and bad aspects of the job.

4. Give yourself a safety net
Having left university and straight into a job as a flight attendant for two years, I was in a predicament when it came to thinking about changing career track.  Leaving my job and hurling head first into a new industry was a scary prospect.  I needed the safety net of my current job while tasting the pie.  By using my annual holiday leave, I still maintain job security just in case I feel it isn't for me.

Yet again, I might absolutely love it, and then I'll know the risk was worth it.



'Know that you will fail at some point, but learn from it. The lessons from that failure will be extremely valuable.'
Karen Finerman

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