Don't Blink
Synopsis
When high-need-for-achievement professionals become mired in anxiety-producing traps, they tend to think too much and act too little. They shy away from decisions that involve trying something new, changing course, or committing themselves to a tantalizing but potentially risky new goal. In this chapter, Thomas DeLong, a noted expert in organizational behavior and leadership, defines "blinking" as hesitating in the face of an important decision, allowing doubt and fear to keep you stuck in a psychologically safe rut. In order to seize new opportunities and take a chance on learning and growing, you must be prepared to face uncertain, high-stress situations and move forward with confidence. This chapter spotlights high achievers--including Rick Cohen, chairman of C&S Wholesale Grocers, and others--who acted decisively, despite their doubts and fears, when opportunity presented itself. DeLong shows you how you can learn the same behaviors when you have to make a critical choice and go forward to meet new challenges--even when your fear says to stop. This chapter was originally published as Chapter 12 of "Flying Without a Net: Turn Fear of Change into Fuel for Success."
- Copyright:
- 2011 HBS Press
Book Details
- Book Quality:
- ISBN-13:
- Publisher:
- Harvard Business Publishing
- Date of Addition:
- 2016-08-04T03:24:21Z
- Language:
- English
- Categories:
- Usage Restrictions:
- This is a copyrighted book.