A Concept to Challenge Your Status Quo
Playing It Safe Is the Riskiest Move a Leader Can Make
“Opportunities, the good ones, they’re messy and confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.” — Susan Wojcicki, former CEO of YouTube
Imagine leadership as sailing a boat in unpredictable waters. If you only set sail on calm days, you’ll never reach new shores. True progress demands leaving the safety of the harbor—navigating choppy seas, adjusting your sails, and trusting your crew to help you weather the storms.
Several years ago, I faced a pivotal decision: delegate a mission-critical project or risk burnout by doing it all myself. My instinct was control—after all, nobody could do it “just right” but me. But I remembered: standing still in a flowing river still requires effort, and eventually, you drift backward. I took the leap, empowered my team, and watched them not only rise to the challenge but innovate in ways I never anticipated. That moment taught me: leadership isn’t about steering every oar—it’s about setting the direction and trusting others to row with you.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth:
Playing it safe—clinging to control, avoiding delegation, or sticking with “what’s always worked”—is a slow drift toward irrelevance.
The leaders who thrive are those who embrace discomfort, cultivate diverse perspectives, and foster a culture where experimentation is not just allowed, but expected.
Performance maximization isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum.
Like a snowball, accountability and innovation build as you empower others to take ownership and learn from both wins and failures.
The best leaders act as coaches, not controllers—focusing on developing others, not just delivering results.
Actionable Insight:
This week, identify one area where you’re playing it too safe.
Delegate a task you’ve been holding onto, or invite your team to challenge a long-standing process.
Celebrate not just the outcome, but the courage to try.
“If you want to be an entrepreneur, it’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle… But it’s hugely rewarding as you’re fulfilling something for yourself.” - Niklas Zennstrom, founder of Skype
Great leadership is contagious. Forward this to a fellow leader or your team. Spark a conversation: Where are we playing it too safe and what bold move will we make next?
Challenge the status quo. Empower your people. Watch your organization soar.
