Taking Smart Risks Lib/E: How Sharp Leaders Win When Stakes Are High

by Doug Sundheim

Lead your company to sustainable success by taking the RIGHT RISKS

"From Sherwin Williams to Moo.com, Doug Sundheim is onto something here: your work is worth fighting for. A worthy read for everyone in your organization."
--Seth Godin, Author, "The Icarus Deception"

"The risk-taking concepts in this book lie at the heart of effective leadership. Using case studies and stories from executives who have 'been there, done that, ' Doug Sundheim teaches us that sometimes the most dangerous thing to do--in business and life--is to play it safe."
--Marshall Goldsmith, million-selling author of the "New York Times" bestsellers "MOJO" and "What Got You Here Won't Get You There"

"Sundheim delivers a message that every business needs to hear right now: excessive risk will kill you, but so will complacency. . . . If you're charged with driving growth in your organization, buy this book--but more importantly, use it."
--Jed Hartman, Group Publisher, "Fortune" & CNNMoney.com

"A spectacular book! The stories were powerful, the advice was crystal clear, and every few pages called me to action. I have bookmarked more pages in Taking Smart Risks than I have in any book since reading Peter Drucker's classics."
--Michael Hejtmanek, President & CEO, Hasselblad Bron Inc.

"Doug Sundheim does an excellent job of demonstrating not only how to take smart risks, but also how to lead the process of risk-taking--a critical skill set for leaders today."
--Cindy Zollinger, President & CEO, Cornerstone Research

"A compelling case for why smart risk taking is so important in today's fast-paced, uncertain world."
--Willie Pietersen, Professor, Columbia Business School; former CEO, Tropicana and Seagram USAIn today's market, playing it safe is not an option

The business world is in flux, and you have to think and act quickly in order to stay competitive. But the last thing you want to do is make reckless business decisions. You have to find the middle ground. You have to take SMART RISKS.

In this groundbreaking book, leadership expert Doug Sundheim explains how to find that precise point between comfort and danger for generating the sustained ability to work at the highest level of performance.

"Taking Smart Risks "reveals the secrets to discovering, planning for, and acting upon the kind of risks that will move your company forward and ahead of the competition. Learn how to:

Find Something Worth Fighting For--What do you care enough about to risk time, energy, and money to try to make happen? Determining this is half the battle.
See the Future Now--Clarify your big idea in terms of real objectives, plans, and intended results.
Act Fast, Learn Fast--Make your move quickly, but be sure you don't squander valuable resources in the process.
Communicate Powerfully--Assume communication will break down at points, plan accordingly--and don't shy away from the tough conversations.
Create a Smart Risk Culture-- Build teams that share the same mindsets and values about expected smart risk behavior.
Applying Sundheim's advice will help you let go of old assumptions, explore new possibilities, move your organization out of its comfort zone, and experience long-term success.

When you take smart risks, you will create. You will innovate. You will grow. And you will WIN.

Genres: Business, Professional Development

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

For over 20 years, Doug Sundheim has helped leaders from Fortune 500 companies to small entrepreneurial firms get out of their comfort zones to take smart risks. His approach is grounded in both research-based practices and firing-line experiences for what really works in business.

Here's what Michael Hejtmanek, President & CEO of camera company Hasselblad Bron Inc., has to say about Taking Smart Risks:

"A spectacular book! The stories were powerful, the advice was crystal clear, and every few pages called me to action. I have bookmarked more pages in [Doug's book] than I have in any book since reading Peter Drucker's classics."

Doug lives with his wife and two sons outside New York City. Connect with him at Twitter.com/DougSundheim, LinkedIn/DougSundheim and at www.takingsmartrisks.com.

Reviews

[Ryan Blanchette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The core of the the concept of taking "risk" is posited to be an element of the foundation of a meaningful life, which is a useful (and true) perspective. This is a useful business book that has tools that I will use. Specifically the 2x2 risk analysis tool that looks at all sides of decisions from a cost-benefit perspective. There are other "mini-gems" like the concept of striving to learn from people from outside of your walk of life, using a set of probing questions and some others. Really 3.5 stars but I rounded up.

[Cornelis Scholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't be misled by the punctuality of this book. Sure, it has amazing points when it comes to handling a business or corporation, but what's quite unique is how those same points can be implemented into one's own life. Really good book. Definitely a 10/10.

[Christopher J Sorenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reinforces the obvious and cherry picks positive examples. Had some nice ways of framing situations, and I enjoyed a few of the insights, particularly around communication

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, helpful, and practical guide to setting on your own—and influencing others’—path toward smart risk taking, with tools for maintaining and evolving the process over time.

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some key points are useful. But generally fluff. Too wordy, just read the summaries.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, the best quote from this book is "If you don't start somewhere, you'll never get anywhere". Great read!

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Tim Laukka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book on overall business management. It covers much more than taking risks. I thought it contained many sound principles for any business manager.