Get Real About Risk

Not all risks are created equal - yet many leaders treat them as if they are.

In uncertain times, it’s easy to slip into overthinking. “What if the economy slows?” “What if our best person leaves?” “What if clients pull back spending?” By the time we’ve listed every possibility, we’ve forgotten the most important question: What’s actually happening right now?

Worry consumes energy that could be spent leading. The real danger for most businesses isn’t the risk itself - it’s the loss of focus that comes from fearing every possible outcome.

Here’s a simple filter to bring clarity back to your decisions:

1️. Control It – If you can control it, act on it now.
2️. Influence It – If you can only influence it, plan how.
3️. Accept It – If you can’t control or influence it, stop giving it energy.

When you run your “what ifs” through that lens, the noise drops away. You begin to see which concerns deserve attention and which are distractions disguised as diligence.

An all too common ‘worry’ I encounter is the fear of losing a key client. This often leads to avoiding price increases for years, even as costs climbed, because of the fear the client might walk. Relationships are things you can partly control and influence. When companies look at their history, communication and at the data, they often find that their key customer has not pushed back on value - usually feedback is on communication or DIFOTIS. The risk isn't losing business. It’s losing profit margin.

When they raised their prices (with clear reasoning and respect), their clients stay - and their confidence grows. As they reflect they realise they’ve been guarding the wrong gate. The focus is much better spent on adding value and building stronger relationships.

“The biggest risk is often not acting at all.”

Being “risk-aware” isn’t about eliminating uncertainty; it’s about prioritising action. Strong leaders know that smart risks drive innovation, sharpen teams, and build resilience. They don’t chase every shadow; they invest energy where it matters.

If you catch yourself hesitating on a decision, ask:

• What’s the best thing that could happen if I act?
  

• What’s the worst thing that could happen if I don’t?
  

Those two questions often expose the real risk - stagnation.

No business grows without calculated courage. The goal isn’t to play safe; it’s to play smart.

Which “risks” are keeping you up at night but sit outside your control? What would happen if you let them go?