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QUOTABLE QUOTES: Approaches to Team Risk-Taking

Objectives

1. To describe the team's current approach to risk-taking.
2. To agree on the team's approach to and support for risk-taking in the future.

Participants

Fewer than 10 people is best but may be used with a maximum of 20. Larger groups may be divided into subgroups of 4 to 5 people.

Time Limit

30 minutes to 1 hour.

Physical Setting

Chairs around a set of tables in a U-shape with a single table up front for the projector.

Materials and Resources

1. Overhead transparency or slide of "Quotable Quotes."
2. Overhead or LCD projector.

Process

1. Explain the objectives of the activity including a brief presentation on the importance of risk-taking.
2. Display Quotable Quotes on the projector. Ask team members to pair up with the person next to them and decide which quote best describes the team's current approach to risk-taking. Allow 5 minutes.
3. Facilitate a discussion on the responses. Probe for reasons for selecting a quote. Ask for examples of past team actions or decisions that reflect the idea behind the quote.
4. Ask the team how satisfied they are with the current approach to risk-taking. If they are somewhat dissatisfied ask: "in the future, which the of the quotes would you like to be known by?" Facilitate a discussion on the responses leading, if possible, to a consensus on one or two quotes.
5. Close the session by facilitating a discussion on ways the team can increase the level or type of risk-taking.

Variations

1. Change the quotes to make them more relevant to your team.
2. Do not use the Quotable Quotes. Ask the team to come up with a quote that best describes their approach to risk-taking.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained."

"Go For the Gusto"

"Activity Doesn't Mean Productivity."

"A Place For Everything and Everything in its Place."

"Ready, Fire, Aim."

"Time Waits For No One."

"Slow But Sure."

"Look Before You Leap."

"Opportunity Knocks But Once."

"When in Rome, Do As the Romans Do."

"Seize the Day."

Reprinted from 50 Activities for Self-Directed Teams by Glenn Parker and Richard P. Kropp, Jr., HRD Press, 1994.