 What do you envision when you hear the word risk? For many of us, our initial reaction is one of caution, trepidation, or even fear. This emotion is well-founded and understandable in the face of physical or emotional risk. But does the operational risk carry the same baggage and thus the same aversion? Risk aversion is a natural reaction that leaders need to examine closely. A very considered risk-taking can actually provide unique opportunities for growth and success while others can only see the downside. A good first step in a leader's growth toward informed risk-taking is to remove the ego from the problem and view potential failures as simply progress toward a larger goal. As Steve Jobs said, you have to be willing to fail. If you are afraid of failing, you will most certainly, in fact, fail. Lead well this week.