July 24 2023
By: Shawn M. Galloway
We all take risks, different kinds, but we all do it. After all, without risk-taking, progress is stymied. As we face these risks, personal experiences and the experiences of those we trust affect our perceptions of risk. These perceptions and our risk tolerance levels influence our decisions when facing a risk to move forward or choosing another course of action. Some risks invoke immediate fear. Others are not so obvious if you are unfamiliar with the risk or outcome potential.
In 1919, the United States Supreme Court invented the term "clear and present danger," which was later popularized by the 1994 movie of the same name. The term is used to indicate a present, immediate and certain threat that will cause death or serious physical harm. We all can agree that some risks will surely turn out terribly painful if taken. These represent a clear and present danger. Other risks are not so obvious, and the severity potential is unpredictable.
A toddler crawling on the unguarded edge of a couch will eventually fall off, hopefully onto an abundantly padded, soft surface. Whether you understand how gravity works or not, its effects are predictable. Through experience, however, the toddler and the oblivious parents learn from this experience, and hopefully the risk is controlled in the future.
Which risks in your operations or family does everyone agree present a clear and present danger? Which risks require experience to identify? Never take perceptions of risk for granted. They are constantly changing and require constant calibration at work and home.
"Everywhere we go there is always an element of risk; the longevity of life is awarded to those who recognize this." — Shawn M. Galloway
"Paying attention without a contingency plan leave us with the status quo." — Ahmed Al-Ansari
"Risk comes from not knowing what you're doing." — Warren Buffett
Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, is an expert in safety excellence. With almost thirty years of experience, he is a highly sought-after advisor, keynote speaker, and expert witness. Shawn has become a trusted partner to leading organizations across various industries worldwide. He ranks in the top 1% of the most prolific writers in his field, having authored over 500 articles and several bestselling books. He also launched the world's first safety podcast, Safety Culture Excellence©. As a recognized authority in safety, Shawn has received awards such as being named among the Top 50 People Who Most Influence EHS and a Top 10 Speaker, among others.
He is a regular guest on Bloomberg, Fox News, The Daily Mail, Dubai One, U.S. News & World Report, Sirius Business Radio, Wharton Business Daily, and leading safety magazines and podcasts. Shawn also serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Forbes Business Council, and Fast Company Executive Board, enabling his influence to shape safety thinking and strategy at the executive level.
