A Shell Protects, but Should Not Impede

Todd Duwel

Fear of risk, or the many misunderstandings that surround it, has long undermined collaboration in the design/construction industry.

Fear frequently prevents our sharing of lessons learned, even amongst project partners, who should be motivated to mutually benefit one another and the project. Fear also stereotypes and stops potential opportunities before they can even enter the front door. Why?

Too many of us seek to avoid risk, rather than manage it. That’s understandable, but not terribly effective. Risk can and should be measured, and continually evaluated, until it can be fairly predicted. When you begin to know what you didn’t know yesterday, the intelligent risk is fostered. Come on … a turtle only makes progress when he sticks his neck out.