Risk/Reward: Why Intelligent Leaps and Daring Choices Are the Best Career Moves You Can Make

by Anne Kreamer

A persuasive and eye-opening look at the importance of embracing risk in our working lives—and how to use it to achieve lifelong career success   Some of us relish the chance to fly without a net, others . . . not so much. But no matter how adventurous we might be in our personal lives, most of us are wary of allowing risk into our careers. With an economy in constant flux and a job market in which uncertainty is the only constant, stepping outside one’s comfort zone can feel dangerous. But as the findings of this eye-opening and urgent book attest, the avoidance of risk might pose the greatest danger of all to our career prospects.   In Risk/Reward, trend-spotter and career guru Anne Kreamer makes the compelling case that embracing risk is essential to managing a twenty-first-century career. Risk-taking isn’t just for entrepreneurs, nor does it require working on a figurative tightrope. Rather, Kreamer says, conscious, consistent, and modest risk-taking can help us become more able to recognize opportunity when it appears, and more likely to seize the chance to make the right change at the right moment.   Risk/Reward presents a framework for making the most of today’s ever-evolving workplace and turning risk-taking into a daily practice. Using proprietary data from three national studies about the American worker, Kreamer explores the importance of career risk-taking through profiles of four Risk/Reward personality Pioneers, Thinkers, Defenders, and Drifters. She presents a Risk/Reward Matrix that anyone can use to identify his or her own innate risk threshold, and she identifies constructive ways to implement risk in everyday situations—from initiating an uncomfortable conversation with a boss to sharing out-of-the-box ideas with colleagues or constructively challenging long-held practices in an organization.   Peppered throughout Risk/Reward are insights and hard-won wisdom from notable achievers such as bestselling author Anna Quindlen, journalist Jane Pauley, CNBC financial maven Jim Cramer, thought leader Po Bronson, and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Timely and insightful, Risk/Reward is a unique blend of practical and inspirational wisdom that even the most risk-averse person can harness on the path toward success and fulfillment.   Praise for Anne Kreamer’s It’s Always Navigating Emotion in the New Workplace   “A stimulating read bolstered by . . . some of the best recent work on emotional intelligence and the science of happiness.”—The Wall Street Journal   “So what should be the rules and boundaries for showing how you feel while you work? That’s a question asked and answered in Anne Kreamer’s fascinating . . . look at an issue that rarely gets discussed.”—The Washington Post   “Finally, someone is willing to unpack the morass of anger, anxiety, sadness, and joy that drives the workday. . . . [Kreamer] has hit the ‘It’s about time!’ button.”—Elle   “[A] lively, well-researched exploration of emotions on the job.”—Oprah.com   “Explores how to be true to your ‘emotional flashpoints—anger, fear, anxiety, empathy, happiness and crying’—without sabotaging your career.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2015

Reviews

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my attempt to grow my art business, I came across this book. I just skimmed it, but it is a cheerleader book that gives you hope and confidence to change careers or start a business.
The thing that stuck with me was the importance of finding a mentor that is successful in the way you want to be successful.
Now this is a standard idea that is in many books, but I liked the part about finding someone who is successful in the way I want to be successful. I was thinking at the time, I don't know anyone like that.
But then in a coincidence, one of those Facebook friends you don't even remember you had, posted her beautiful textile design with a blog posting about her experience in the textile design business.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting and the classifications here are a new take on the old personality profiling meyers-briggs schlick. I can clearly see myself fitting into the Thinker-Pioneer boxes as described by the author (and told by the survey). Unfortunately the book isn't very insightful regarding what to do with all this information. Sure there are lots of stories about other people and how they got lucky in life by saying f it all and taking a risk. And clearly there is a bias towards pioneers. It's standard self help - nothing here is inspiring enough to invoke real change.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anne Kreamer profiles different types of risk takers, tells you how to best take risks within your profile and gives you tips on things you could be over-looking.

A great reminder that to grow you need to be uncomfortable sometimes.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book divides people into categories based on risk profile and suggests career opportunities. I found it a little repetitive and under-nuanced. But compared to other books of this genre, it was a good read and a compelling topic.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads FirstReads, And I can't wait to receive it! Looking forward to reading it. (:

[Cha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Utterly unhelpful and useless for my current predicament. It seems written for a certain demographic to which I do not belong. I am sure it's great for them.

[Raz Pirata · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The world has become a place where risk runs rampant”

Anne Kreamer’s book, Risk / Reward, is a tale of caution for the risk averse in a world flush with uncertainty. Humans are risk averse, to a certain degree, by design. We prefer certainty and security. It is what has allowed us, as a species, to avoid going the way of the dodo bird. Even those who are considered ‘risk takers’ aren’t nearly as reckless as we imagine, yet their daring forays seem to both excite and bewilder us simultaneously. Anne Kreamer, however, is suggesting that we may need to learn to steel ourselves, follow their example and do a little risk taking of our own if we want to make something special out of our working life..

“The difference between professional success and failure lies in one's mastering of the art...of taking risks”

One of the biggest difficulties we face in managing our careers is knowing when to push it. When and how to take a gamble and shoot for the moon. It turns out, according to Risk / Reward, that some of us are more predisposed to taking the make or break risks that can launch your career into the stratosphere or leave you standing on the unemployment line. A saunter through these pages will allow you to assess whether, when it comes to your working life, you are a ‘pioneer, thinker, defender or drifter’. Each of these working ‘types’ supposes a certain set of tendencies and strengths while proposing a ‘tool kit’ for how you can better manage and accept a greater sense of risk in forwarding your career choices.

“Risk is different for each of us and driven by different concerns at different stages in life”

By redefining risk in terms of it being a thoughtful and conscientious choice, Risk / Reward, gives the reader an opportunity to view their careers from a new and much needed perspective. It offers the reader a view of the ever shifting labour market and the inner strengths and stumbling blocks of our individual working lives. It reminds them of why risk is something that we may need to come to embrace as opposed to shy away from. It shows us where we are holding ourselves back under the delusion of self preservation. Risk / Reward is a challenge to be more open-minded and opportunistic, to fear less and push your own boundaries, to make an authentic mark.

If you are feeling stuck, uncertain or unenthused by doing the same thing you're doing now for the next 5, 10 or 20 years. Risk / Reward might be the shake up your career needs. If the idea of reading a book that is promoting more risk taking in your working life just makes you feel unsettled, then picking it up is a must. Take a risk, it's only a book, what do you have to lose?

Overall score: 3.4 / 5.0

In a sentence: Why it is risky not to be taking risks in your working life and what you can do about it.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical business/career self-help fare. The author acknowledges the post-recession US economy and rapid tech advancements have irreversably changed the fabric of careers in the country. There are a series of anecdotes from people who have successfully reinvented their professional selves and moved on to different careers, and the book is peppered with motiviational quotes. Essentially, the message is to get used to career change and that it is better to initiate said change yourself than try to recover as a victim after an employer renders you obsolete.

[Chris Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne effortlessly, and yet expertly, lays out the foundations for taking risks. It first allows you to hone into your own self, and then throws you plenty of ideas on how to capitalise on every aspect. The arguments are concise, and the writing is both succinct and creative. A glorious read thanks to a fabulous storyteller. It wins with its many anecdotes that add to the thousand or so nudges towards the right path(s).

Highly recommend for those needing a reconfigured minset.

[Jezzeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

"In business, equilibrium means stasis, and stasis means death."-Peter Thiel (cofounder of PayPal). To avoid stasis, risks must be taken. The new world of work is committing to a series of goals rather than just one narrowly defined goal. To move toward our dream jobs, it is important to internalize and reinforce the belief that a regular practice of measured risk-taking is the means to an end. To move past our fears and build the working lives we want, we must learn to take action.

[Niraj Thapa Magar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books really shape my understanding over taking risk. I am a person who is not comfortable with taking risk. However, this books helped me to open my comfort over taking risk. A well written book about how to take risk and why it helps us to take the best career moves in our life.