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Quintessential Thought

We spend a lot of time managing risk, assuming it's all about preventing bad things: missed deadlines, unmet expectations, and project failures. But what about the good side of risk?

Imagine a scenario where your team discovers a brilliant solution, a client is blown away by your work, or a developer finds a way to finish early. These aren't just happy accidents – they're positive risks - opportunities for breakthroughs we might miss if we're solely focused on avoiding the negatives.

The problem? By overemphasizing downside risk, we might unknowingly create processes and cultures that stifle these positive possibilities. We might prioritize rigidity over flexibility, or discourage creative exploration. If we emphasize the plan (i.e. - the selected backlog items or our plan for completing them) or punish deviating from it, then the plan will rule, even when there are positive risks nearby.

The key is recognizing both sides of the risk coin. By embracing positive potential, we can create an environment where innovation and unexpected wins can flourish.

Quotes

“If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve.” – Jeff Bezos

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein

“The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.” — Okakura Kakuzo

Quick Step

Find one way to measurably observe and celebrate positive risks.

Question

How might your processes and culture be unintentionally stifling creativity and exploration? What happens when someone suggests an idea that deviates from the current one?

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