This morning on the Today Show they are discussing a new report out that demonstrates people viewing Obama as the riskier candidate over McCain. For some reason in the news, they are painting risk as a negative attribute. I found that fascinating. In business, we know, that where there is no risk–there is no growth. In fact, where there is no risk, there is often no leadership at all. Simply working to appease everyone does not lead to growth and advancement. Boards of Directors don’t hire CEOs as puppets, and I don’t expect we’ll be voting for a President that we prefer to flat-line through his White House residency. Give me someone who will provide higher highs and trust that I’m willing to risk the lower lows to get there. Great victory only comes from the willingness to make tough decisions because you believe they are the right choice, not the popular one. In business and in politics, risk is an attribute.