Are you a competent risk taker?

Are you a competent risk taker? Is it a straight yes or no type question? I don't know, but I wanted to find out.

During a discussion with a colleague earlier this year he left me with some parting words which have stuck in my mind for some time, and that is the the theory of 'competent risk taking'. This theory leaves me feeling fascinated and confused. I really do like it.

Thinking of my son aged 7 (pictured above), I can't dare not ask the question... are we not all competent risk takers? We all start taking risks at such an early age. I mean everything we do is about the 'severity of the consequence' vs. 'the likelihood of that consequence' (even though we not not consciously be saying that).

So thought I was best to start at the beginning, by breaking the words down;

competent

adjective

having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.

risk

This is not a board game!

According to the 'International Organisation for Standardization' risk is defined as 'the effect of uncertainty of objectives'.

So if we just use the definitions above can we describe a competent risk taker as someone who has the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to master the effect of uncertainty of objectives successfully?

I guess then we need to determine what is success? That maybe a discussion for another topic.

Thinking back to my son, I would believe that our competence as a risk taker can grow. As did his. From the day he decided he wanted to scooter he developed his ability and skill by using a 3 wheel scooter (sure there was the odd learning experience, but that developed his knowledge of consequence). That then turned into the scooter you see him on above. This started on flat ground, into a small bowl, whereby jumps where introduced and finally into a fully blown skate bowl blowing the minds of his peers.

Was he reckless, crazy or mad? No. He was a competent risk taker, who increased his competence as he grew his skill and ability.

So to answer my question. I believe yes I am a competent risk taker when it comes to the majority of things. Are you a competent risk taker?

Follow my other blog (http://eotcnz.blogspot.com) to see how maybe we can use this to develop learning experiences.

Comments

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