Many people today feel they are just 'one bad decision away' from losing their job or business. So instead of making decisions, they make NO decision. Or if they have to make a decision, they take the least offensive, least impactful, least expensive, and most spineless way out. Most of the time, that's the wrong thing to do.

What happens? You ensure management is happy while you infuriate your staff, vendors, and smart clients.

Who thinks big and takes chances? Apple.

In 1998 — they launched the iMac without a floppy disk drive ("How will we transfer files?).
In 2007 — they launched the iPhone - no experience (joining the fray with huge, entrenched leaders).
In 2010 — they launched the MacBook Air without a DVD drive ("How will I watch movies?").
In 2016 — they launched a new MacBook Pro with 4 USB-C ports ("How will I connect my stuff?).

Each time the media made fun of them and pundits attacked. One year later, everyone embraced the change and moved forward. The result? One of the biggest companies on the planet with a product line admired by all.

To move up and to be noticed by the people that matter, you need to be bold and sometimes stick your neck out. You might hit a home run (most of the time) and sometimes, you might get it cut off (rarely).

That's why I suggest to my clients that they all have INSURANCE. For example:

An up-to-date résumé, done by a professional, ready to be distributed at a moment's notice.
A polished and professional LinkedIn page, with recent professional headshot, testimonials, etc.
Actively networking and connecting with movers and shakers outside of your sphere.
Learning new things about your industry, taking classes, reading books and writing about what you learn.
Attending events (industry symposiums, charities, etc.).
Finally, hire a coach — they help you perform at your peak and help you make the tough decisions.

Once you have those things in your back pocket, it's not that hard to make the tough decisions that need to be made.

Here's a powerful scene with John Goodman (it's a bit rough with the language — but you'll get the gist):