At United Utilities, Inc., we value calculated risk. When have you taken an unusual risk in the workplace? What was the outcome?

"Last month I took an unusual risk by taking an outside sales call when I am an inside sales employee. My client asked me to meet him because he had some additional business he was thinking of giving our company, but he wanted to make sure we had strong rapport before he handed the business over. I met him in person, and we got along so well that he gave me an additional 1M in annual business. I knew it was a risk because my boss preferred that I stay on inside sales accounts but I knew the reward was greater than the potential risk, so I took it. Well worth it!"

"I certainly took a risk by leaving my strategic account management position to take an entry sales position in another organization. While it was risky, I wanted to get into sales and a startup environment. My family thought I was nuts. It worked out great, as I got basic sales experience, and then was promoted within months and have since been headhunted out of that position to a strategic senior account executive role."