Consider Motives Before Taking Risks

Some executives stuck in a rut take risks to turn around a bad situation or to fulfill unmet aspirations. Other executives bolstered by a history of success take risks to accomplish something meaningful because they derive intrinsic satisfaction from overcoming challenges. "The research shows that these higher performers engage in a fundamentally different type of risk taking than their lower performing counterparts," says the author. "They are more likely to pursue radical innovations and persevere when challenges arise." Perhaps more significant, the research shows that risk takers seeking intrinsic satisfaction are more likely to deliver positive results for their organizations.