Taking Smart Risks: How Sharp Leaders Win When Stakes are High

In todays market, playing it safe is not an optionThe business world is in flux, and you have to think and act quickly in order to stay competitive. But the last thing you want to do is make reckless business decisions. You have to find the middle ground. You have to take SMART RISKS.In this groundbreaking book, leadership expert Doug Sundheim explains how to find that precise point between comfort and danger for generating the sustained ability to work at the highest level of performance.From Sherwin Williams to Moo.com, Doug Sundheim is onto something here: your work is worth fighting for. A worthy read for everyone in your organization.Seth Godin, Author, The Icarus DeceptionThe risktaking concepts in this book lie at the heart of effective leadership. Using case studies and stories from executives who have been there, done that, Doug Sundheim teaches us that sometimes the most dangerous thing to doin business and lifeis to play it safe.Marshall Goldsmith, millionselling author of the New York Times bestsellers MOJO and What Got You Here Wont Get You ThereSundheim delivers a message that every business needs to hear right now: excessive risk will kill you, but so will complacency. . . . If youre charged with driving growth in your organization, buy this bookbut more importantly, use it.Jed Hartman, Group Publisher, Fortune & CNNMoney.comA spectacular book! The stories were powerful, the advice was crystal clear, and every few pages called me to action. I have bookmarked more pages in Taking Smart Risks than I have in any book since reading Peter Druckers classics.Michael Hejtmanek, President & CEO, Hasselblad Bron Inc.Doug Sundheim does an excellent job of demonstrating not only how to take smart risks, but also how to lead the process of risktakinga critical skill set for leaders today.Cindy Zollinger, President & CEO, Cornerstone ResearchA compelling case for why smart risk taking is so important in todays fastpaced, uncertain world.Willie Pietersen, Professor, Columbia Business School; former CEO, Tropicana and Seagram USATaking Smart Risks reveals the secrets to discovering, planning for, and acting upon the kind of risks that will move your company forward and ahead of the competition. Learn how to:Find Something Worth Fighting ForWhat do you care enough about to risk time, energy, and money to try to make happen? Determining this is half the battle.See the Future NowClarify your big idea in terms of real objectives, plans, and intended results.Act Fast, Learn FastMake your move quickly, but be sure you dont squander valuable resources in the process.Communicate PowerfullyAssume communication will break down at points, plan accordinglyand dont shy away from the tough conversations.Create a Smart Risk Culture Build teams that share the same mindsets and values about expected smart risk behavior.