Courtesy of RedBull.com
Are you scared to take risks as a leader? If so, I want to introduce you to Felix Baumgartner who is a risk taker unlike any I have previously read about.
As part of the Red Bull Stratos project, this 42-year-old Austrian will place himself in a claustrophobic spacesuit, enter a capsule attached to a helium balloon, rise for five hours to 120,000 feet (23 miles) above the earth, then free fall for over five minutes reaching a speed of nearly 700 mph, where he hopes to safely deploy his parachute at 5,000 feet. All of this will be done for a world record and in the name of science. Have you attempted anything this risky lately?
In a USA Today interview on Thursday, March 8th, Baumgartner takes us into the behind-the-scenes of the project and his preparation. His insights are extremely valuable for any leader who struggles with risk taking.
When taking a risk, you must know the following:
- Start With Smaller Risk(s) – Baumgartner has previously jumped from the Rio de Janeiro Christ the Redeemer statue as well as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia.
- Practice – This Monday, March 12th, Baumgartner will begin practice jumps from 60,000 feet in Roswell, NM.
- Be Prepared For Obstacles – Risks by their very definition are not safe. There will be many doubters. Red Bull faced a lawsuit from a competitor before proceeding.
- Prepare Mentally – Baumgartner had to participate in psychological training to handle the boxed-in feel of the five hour ascent.
- Surround Yourself With A Great Team – There are many talented people who are part of this project including former space shuttle astronaut Jim Bagian.
- Have The Right Equipment – Baumgartner’s form-fitting suit, made by the David Clark Co., “is a mix of polyester, Gore-Tex, and flame resistant Nomex, laced with bladders that keep the body pressurized in space.”
- Talk To Someone Who Has Been There Before – One of Baumgartner’s chief advisors is retired 83-year-old Air Force Col. Joe Kittinger. Kittinger is the current record holder with a highest jump of 102,516 feet, fastest free fall of 614 mph, and longest free fall of 4 minutes, 36 seconds back in 1960.
- Count The Costs – Col. Kittinger says, “Where Felix is going is very hostile.”
- Enjoy The View – No human being will ever see the Earth like Baumgartner is about to. For leaders who are willing to take the risk, they will experience things the rest of us will only get to read about.
Many of you need to take a risk, you are just very cautious and maybe even afraid. I understand. Just remember to Start Small, Practice, Prepare In Advance For Obstacles, Prepare Mentally, Have A Great Team Around You, Have The Right Equipment, Talk To Experienced Risk Takers, Count The Costs, and then you have earned it – Enjoy The View!