Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with visionary CEOs and Executive Directors from across the country. We gathered to discuss one thing: how to move strategy forward faster.
One of the most powerful ideas we discussed was this:
The biggest risk to your strategy is the PEOPLE side of risk.
The problem isn’t that smart people don’t hesitate because they aren’t capable—it’s that they’re weighing the risks.
When talented, committed people don’t jump in to take action and support your big new initiative, it’s rarely because they’re lazy, confused, or disengaged. More often, it’s because they don’t believe the risk is worth it.
And chances are, you see risk differently than the people you need to take action.
If you’re not aware of how people and organizations perceive risk—or worse, if you’re ignoring it—your strategy is going to stall.
If you’re leading a high-stakes initiative, here are three critical questions to ask yourself:
1. Am I considering what’s at stake for the people I’m asking to do something NEW?
Do you take the time to truly understand what you’re asking them to risk? What do they need to understand, believe, and trust in order to step forward?
We often focus on WHAT needs to happen—but overlook what it might COST people to change course, try something unfamiliar, or simply speak up:
• Do they have the capacity to take this on?
• Does it challenge their sense of control and confidence?
• Could it threaten their track record of success?
Smart people assess the risks. How are you helping them see the path as worthwhile and aligned with their values?
2. Have I made the POTENTIAL UPSIDE crystal clear? Do they VALUE it?
If the benefit of taking action feels vague, distant, or uncertain, even your most driven and loyal employees, volunteers, suppliers, or partners will hesitate.
Connect the dots for them—emotionally and logically.
Make the reward visible, real, and worth it.
3. Do they TRUST ME enough to take a risk with me?
Ever asked for final questions right before Day 1 of a new initiative and gotten… complete silence? That’s not always good.
It’s often a sign people aren’t comfortable asking what’s really on their minds. And that may mean they don’t trust you enough to tell you.
People don’t take risks with you simply because you have integrity or good intentions.
Trust requires clarity, consistency, and connection. You can’t shortcut trust—especially in high-stakes situations.
The bottom line is this:
If smart people around you aren’t moving forward to support your new strategic initiative, there’s a reason.
If you’re frustrated by the silence, the stalling, the pushback—ask:
What if this isn’t about pushing harder… but about asking better questions about the risks?
Take the time to understand how smart people see the risks, and you’ll unlock the momentum you’ve been hoping for.
I welcome your thoughts—and your learnings!
—Susan Schramm, Founder Go to Market Impact, Speaker, Author
PS. I write more about “the people side of risk” in my upcoming book, Fast Track Your Big Idea! Navigate Risk, Move People to Action, and Avoid Your Strategy Going Off Course.
You’ll receive an advanced copy of the book when you join me for the Strategy Reboot, a ½ day interactive workshop where we walk through the common mistakes leaders make driving a new strategy—and what you can do right now to avoid them.
Go to strategyreboot.com and register for the next one!
This article is part of my article series, “Fast Track Insights” providing practical ideas whether you are driving a new strategy or getting one back on track. I want to help you avoid common mistakes. Subscribe to receive practical insights once or twice a month!
