Encouraging risk taking: Be careful how you say it!

Encouraging Risky Behaviour!   Advice for Parents AND Business Folks on Building Confidence:

CBC morning news reported on a recent Canadian Pediatric study on kids and taking risks. (reporter: Christine Birak, Jan 25, 2024)

Hallelujah, I agreed with what was said regarding kids.

I also think it relates to managers with their employees. 

Core Message: Encourage smart and thoughtful risk taking.

Here is what she reported….and the framing was….. for us to imagine, a child climbing high on playground equipment and two options for what the parent could say.

1) “Be careful, are you sure that is a good idea?”

Or instead say……

2) “do you feel stable, what is you plan for getting down.”  

I loved this reframing for how we could talk to our children. 

She further referenced the experts in the study saying …..  “instead of raising doubts and fears parents can help their kids problem solve.” 

Of course also being clear “to make them as safe as necessary“

Now Flip the Perspective:

Can you see the importance of word selection when related to empowering employees?

Food for thought.