Do Risk Takers Make Good Leaders?

high-risk-[Converted]

 

There are countless stories of leaders in the business world that have taken great risks in order to become successful. The fact is there is risk in almost any professional decision a person makes. Some choices carry much great risker than others, but risk is part of every decision we make. While you often hear about the great risks taken by some of the most successful business people and company leaders in the world, what you might not hear as much about their failures because of the unsuccessful risks they have taken. However, just about every great CEO or successful business leader will tell you that its the failures that have really led them to be successful, which is why you have to be willing to continue taking risks, even they turn out the way you had hope.

Characteristics of a Leader

Ajay Banga, president and chief executive officer of MasterCard and a member of its board of directors, is a great example of this. During an event at Stanford University several months back, Mr. Banga was asked to share one or two personality traits or characteristics about himself that have helped set him apart and allowed him to enjoy so much success compared to some other people that might not have achieved as much in their careers, or those who have seen their careers stall. Mr. Banga said that humility and the willingness to take risks are two big characteristics that have helped set him apart. “If you’re not willing to learn from people and always adapt or adjust and progress in your mind,” you can’t be successful.  Mr. Banga said, “I don’t know that you can diverse [humility] from success. I think it’s actually a key part of who you are and how successful you can be.” He added: “I think you can be successful without humility, but you won’t enjoy it as much.

Being a Risk a Successful Risk Taker

The second characteristic Mr. Banga discussed was the ability or willingness to take risks, in both your life and your career. Many of the world’s greatest business leaders are known to take big risks. That doesn’t mean they make huge decisions on a whim without any deep thought and consideration of all the possible outcomes. However, after careful consideration and calculation they end up taking educated risks, often resulting in big rewards. Mr. Banga feels that in order to be a good leader you have to be a risk taker. However, he’s not just simply referring to changing jobs or careers. He said you have to be willing to be a risk taker in all aspects of your life and career.

employee

Employee Ownership Update

Employee Ownership The following article appeared in the New York Times on May 21, 2006 and is one of the best articles about employee ownership that I have seen. It illustrates a few great examples of how employee ownership has helped companies achieve extraordinary success. These Workers Act Like Owners (Because They Are) By William…

FAMILY LIMITED

Family Limited

This FLP Alert is directed at clients and their advisors who have already established Family Limited Partnership irs (“FLP’s”) and those clients who are considering a partnership as part of their estate plan. With all the attacks the IRS has made on FLP’s over the past few years, culminating at the Strangi III decision in…

The True Value of Your Company May Be Different From What You Think

The True Value of Your Company May Be Different From What You Think

The True Value of Your Company May Be Different From What You Think Approaches to Value Intangible Assets Posted: 3/31/11 I’ve received a lot of inquires asking how to value a company that has yet to generate any revenue, has not reached profitability, and yet, it has a substantial history of expenses. Most are start-up…

To receive our free newsletter, contact us here. Subscribe our YouTube Channel for more updates. Alan Olsen, CPA Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com. GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world. Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio GROCO.com is a proud sponsor of The American Dreams Show. American-Dreams-Show-Accounting-firm-in-ca-cpa-tax-advisors-groco-alan-olsen The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business. Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind. The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guest’s time, he’s able to give access to individuals information and inspiration previously inaccessible to the first-time entrepreneurs who need it most. They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first-hand, how they got to where they are, how to start a company, how to overcome challenges, how they see the future evolving, opportunities, work-life balance and so much more.. American Dreams discusses many topics from some of the world’s most successful individuals about their secrets to life’s success. Topics from guest have included: Creating purpose in life / Building a foundation for their life / Solving problems / Finding fulfillment through philanthropy and service / Becoming self-reliant / Enhancing effective leadership / Balancing family and work… Untitled_Artwork copy 4 MyPaths.com (Also sponsored by GROCO) provides free access to content and world-class entrepreneurs, influencers and thought leaders’ personal success stories. To help you find your path in life to true, sustainable success & happiness. It’s mission statement: In an increasingly complex and difficult world, we hope to help you find your personal path in life and build a strong foundation by learning how others found success and happiness. True and sustainable success and happiness are different for each one of us but possible, often despite significant challenges. Our mission at MyPaths.com is to provide resources and firsthand accounts of how others found their paths in life, so you can do the same.

Does Your Business Need a Buy-Sell Agreement?

Does Your Business Need a Buy-Sell Agreement? What Is Buy-Sell Agreement? Buy-Sell Agreement, also known as a buyout agreement, give the company or other stockholders the option or obligation to purchase the interests of other owners under some specified circumstances called trigger events such as death, departure, or retirement, etc. There are two basic types…