The Three Options Contingency

Ron Macklin

March 3, 2018

In this article, MacklinConnection founder Ron Macklin shares a practice he developed called "Three Options."

Both the Vikings and Alexander would burn their ships when attacking an island. Their commitment was clear, and their options were two: Win or die. There was no chance for retreat and no mitigating the risk. Staying focused was not a challenge, and contingency plans literally went up in smoke.


Yet, contingency plans in today’s world help me deal with risks. To be successful in most leadership or executive roles I’ve had, I came up with a way for me to tolerate risks – to acknowledge the risks and be able to act anyway. When I write that, it sounds easy. It is not. 


“There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.”Denis Waitley


Life is risky. Denis always appeared to me as powerful and logical, and I still did not know how to “take risks.”


Contingencies for Risk

I developed a practice I call “Three Options” — here’s how it works: 

  • My first option is to stay in the role I have. 
  • I  then create a contingency plan just in case my existing role does not work out. 
  • The contingency plan also may not work, meaning I need to have a backup contingency plan.  When I have two contingency plans, I can tolerate the risks required to perform my role to standards I am satisfied with. This is now the line I toss to myself and others when they or I hesitate to take a risk.


Want to learn more tips for improving your leadership skills and taking risks? Enroll in an upcoming MacklinConnection Workshop.