In a blog post looking at the variables in opportunity, adapted from his new book The Earned Life, the renowned leadership expert and bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith talks about how important it is to weigh the risks within every opportunity, from the simplest to the most complex.
“Opportunity and risk are two key variables to consider in any investment decision: material resources, time, energy, or allegiances.”
Goldsmith writes, “Opportunity and risk are the two key variables you should consider in any investment decision, whether it’s material resources or your time, energy, or allegiances. Opportunity represents the magnitude and probability of benefit derived from your choice. Risk is the magnitude and probability of cost incurred by your choice.”
Before invading Ukraine, Vladimir Putin did not weigh the risk versus the opportunity. He thought that the world was preoccupied with other things, that NATO was weak, that Europe was uninterested, and that he could swoop into Ukraine and declare victory in a few days. He was dead wrong. Even with the terrible ravages in Ukraine, the war in Ukraine has, so far, been a disaster for Russia, bringing NATO closer, strengthening the will of Ukraine’s people, and isolating Russia and its delusional leaders. It is crucial to weigh opportunity versus risk.
In The Earned Life Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crises, including regrets that stem from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroute destinies, and haunt our memories. These are particularly timely themes today.
With Goldsmith’s book as a guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life that is fulfilling in the long run.
You can read Marshall Goldsmith’s blog here.
About MARSHALL GOLDSMITH
Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized for years as the world’s leading executive coach and the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Mojo, and Triggers. He received his Ph.D. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. In his coaching practice, Goldsmith has advised more than 200 major CEOs and their management teams. He and his wife live in Nashville, Tennessee.
About THE EARNED LIFE
In THE EARNED LIFE (Currency Books), Marshall Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crisis: regret, the kind stemming from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroutes destinies, and haunts our memories—particularly timely themes as the pandemic and Great Resignation inspire people to seek meaning in their lives, get unstuck and make changes. With this book as their guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life too fulfilling to dwell on the “what ifs.”
If you’d like more information on Marshall Goldsmith, The Earned Life, and his work, please get in touch with Lyda Goldsmith.
