ASTD Report

American Society Training and Development Newsletter Highlights

 Calculated Risk Taking

Presented by Ann Angel-Parker

 By Mary Tilman

 Tuesday's meeting was a warm, convivial evening with Ann Angel-Parker and a few score of her closest personal friends, clients, former employees, business associates, and ASTD members. Ann shared with the group her personal formula for Calculated Risk Takingˆ…a formula that has clearly proven successful in her life.

 With characteristic humor and honesty, Ann used her own life to gently encourage all of us to be open to life's possibilities and to use risk taking consciously to craft a fulfilling life. Ann originally intended her book,

Calculated Risk Taking, to be written for women, because she felt that they needed to learn how to take risks. She changed to a more gender-neutral approach, but the message for women remains clear.  Ann illustrated her presentation with stories from her many "lives." "Embrace newcomers to ASTD," she said. "Guide others; become a mentor; be open to possibilities when they present themselves." This is how she has learned to live her life.

 CHANGE LEADS TO FULFILLMENT

 Why look for change when we are inundated with it already? The equation for personal change is this:

 CHANGE = DISCOMFORT + METHODS + PROCESS

If we are unhappy or uncomfortable enough with our situation, whatever it is, we will seek change. Successful change is accomplished by using appropriate methods and following a process. Ann said, "The methods and process must suit you. What works for others may not be your best choice. "   As an example, Ann cited her work on her novel. "I wrote it straight through," she said, "and I wrote it from the heart." Her problem was the dialogue. Now that the first draft is finished, she'll go back and work on that aspect.  This writing style won't work for all writers. The right methods and process are like a custom-made suit: they it you like a glove. Your life can't be made for your relatives, no matter how dear. It can't be for your friends or even for someone you admire. "If it fits you, it feels right!"

LISTEN TO YOURSELF

Ignorance and fear prevent us from seeing possibilities and taking risks. Ann explained how she learned to listen to her "gut." She told the audience to find a personal barometer of what works and what doesn't. Although Ann encouraged risk taking, she cautioned each person to evaluate his or her own situation and calculate the risk. It might mean remaining in an unfulfilling job while you plan a move. Being a calculated risk taker is different than being a reckless. 

RESOURCES

 For creative solutions, Ann suggested professional resources, friends and family, and your internal resources. Ann cautioned that some people may want to control your life to meet their own needs. Therefore, you needed to filter advice and assistance to make sure it supports your dreams.

 RULES OF THE ROAD

 There are some rules of the road as you make your changes:  
•          Stay flexible and have faith in God's plan. 
•          Keep goals flexible
•          Maintain your footing; learn to ask for what you need.
•          Be proactive
•          Be open to new possibilities

The good life depends on choice, control, and a willingness to embrace change. "You only live once," Ann told the group. "Fulfillment is within your grasp if you are willing to reach for it." Good advice indeed from someone who has followed it. 

Ann Shelton Angel-Parker, is well known to our chapter of ASTD. Past president and Trainer of the Year, she hosted the Regional Conference in 1992 that filled our chapter's coffers for many years. She and husband, Clyde Parker (who met through ASTD) live at Lake Norman and present a variety of keynote speeches, leadership, and other training programs.  In addition to writing books, they facilitate a gender awareness workshop. You can contact them at www.starswin.com .