Going Out on a Limb

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Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1364 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, January 02, 2013 - 08:28 am:    130102 GOING OUT ON A LIMB by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, OH Is there a risk management program for “going out on a limb-- or “making an effort”, or “doing something/anything”, or “taking a stab at it”? Is there a necessarily higher risk in simply trying to do something that either has not been done before, or which you may be able to do better? If so, why? We humans are a squirrely lot [hopefully with due forgiveness from the squirrels of the world]. Far too often we grouse about something or some situation, but never seem able to “do something” about it. Far too often we literally suffer because the inertia inherent in us, does not allow us to move toward solution-- we simply put up with it! But history has, and still shows [as it unfolds] that when someone does try to do something there is an automatic reaction usually dripping with doom, suggestions of failure, or an allusion to [roughly], “What is that smart _ _ _ trying to do”? We shy away from initial effort, and avoid being associated with a “try”, but man do we jump on the bandwagon of success whenever it happens along. All the world loves a winner-- but “You scoundrel I’ll not support your stupid effort”! Vision and effort seem to exist in a void, a chasm, a cave of dubiousness. This attitude is all around us. Even industry [for the most part] invests relatively little in R&D, thinking new products or procedures just “come along”, magically appearing by some happenstance. We humans so fear failure that we tend to avoid an effort to branch out of our small, satisfying, tried-and-true realm. A new style or a new color worn about brings gasps of wonder at the audacity of the mere effort to be different. It takes pure guts to be a “pioneer” these days, as the chorus of doomsayers arise at a moment notice. It is easier to hide; to say nothing; to endure; to try to do nothing; to venture forth in a new thought or direction. But you know something-- those who have “sucked it up” and moved out in some way are the folks who have brought us betterment, convenience, literature of note, invention, innovation of all ilks, and a quality of life unparalleled in history. Oh, I guess you do have to have thick skin to repel the barbs coming your way, but often enough you will find some souls [even the smallest of minorities] who appreciate what you attempt, relish you impulse to try something, and glory in what you have done for them and on which they can build for their own good. Oh, gosh, almost forgot the point of this all. Organizations need to do this, too! The collective membership can be moved to new and different by new programs, new thoughts, new directions and new challenges. Often these new things attract people who are willing to venture forth under the coverage of someone else’s imitative. And often, they get the urge to do something to add to, embellish, or create a new branch off of the main effort. Such opportunities afford organizations the opportunity to grow, to increase their influence, and yes, to touch more people, inside and outside the organizations. Biblically, there is “don’t hide your talent under a bushel”. And remember, it only hurts for a little while when you come out from under the bushel! Happy and prosperous New Year, to all, in both personal and business affairs!