In quantum mechanics, Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle asserts that you can 
either know exactly where something is located, or you can know how much momentum something has, but you can never be certain of both. This mathematical principle for wave-like systems affirms that no matter what we do, there will always be an element of uncertainty.
Everything we do involves an element of risk because we can never really know for certain the value of every variable before we make a decision. The larger the decision, the larger the risk. Every leader knows this and every leader has felt that moment of fear set in once the newness of an opportunity wears off.
In The Surfer’s Guide to Taking Risks, Srinivas Rao notes that surfing is like life in that your tolerance for taking risks often determines your success. “The more waves you go for, the more you will catch.”
In helping my school district integrate more technology and adopt practices from the
Framework for 21st Century Learning, I found a certain degree of risk was required at every level. As a teacher, I have to risk changing roles and becoming a facilitator in the classroom. I have to allow myself the freedom to try new things without becoming paralyzed under the burden of high stakes testing. As the technology director, I have to make decisions about purchasing, distribution, management, support, and professional development for my district without ever truly having all the answers. As a leader, I have to be open enough with my vision to allow others to participate in it, which always changes the outcome… but is the only way we can truly share the dream together.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
— Robert F. Kennedy
Risk is easier to take when you make the time to base your vision on sound principles. Before moving forward with our most recent technology initiative, we spent a year establishing a foundation. First we looked at what change we wanted to see happen in the classroom. All other decisions flowed from there. Once you realize where you are, and then decide where you want to go, the rest is just details.
Taking risks and having the courage to keep riding that wave changes you. I am not the same person today that I was when this all started. There have been ups and downs, peaks and troughs, moments of fear and indecision as well of moments of bliss. The true rush of leadership lies in the journey and not the destination. Its the moments when others’ successes become my own and we achieve something greater than we would have alone are the most memorable. As Jim Rohn says, “You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieving it you become someone worth becoming.” This is the feeling I now long for each time I paddle out to catch that next wave. Hopefully you will catch one too and we can both ride together.
either know exactly where something is located, or you can know how much momentum something has, but you can never be certain of both. This mathematical principle for wave-like systems affirms that no matter what we do, there will always be an element of uncertainty.