Yet the successes helped them to move up the ladder faster than their peers. Calvert cites data that support the notion that taking a moderate number of calculated modest-sized risks was characteristic of top executives and that taking balanced risks equates with successful careers. Less successful managers seem to trade off career security over career advancement. Female managers risk differently than male managers. Women tend to blame themselves for the failure, while men blame other factors.
Managers driven to high achievement take high risks frequently.
Managers oriented to high achievement take moderate risks and avoid perceived high-risk activities that are beyond their grasp. They also avoid low-level risks that provide a limited sense of accomplishment as well as risks in which chance is likely to determine the outcome. They are not gamblers. High fear of failure inhibits taking high management risks. Managers with a high fear of failure are less likely to take moderate risks.