If you are in a position of leadership, what is it that you fear? Do you fear letting others down? Do you fear criticism? Ridicule? What is it? Do you fear the potential negative outcomes? Do you fear failure? Does fear stop you? Are they rational or irrational fears?
Fear is interesting to me. Fear motivates probably more than any other emotion. People do things both good and bad because of it, or in spite of it. To one person fear paralyzes, to another it inspires. Fear is a tactic for those in power, a technique in sales and marketing, fear is a dangerous chemical, a volatile explosive substance.
Do you live in fear? To a certain degree you should. Fear gives you alarm against the dangers that would do you harm. Fear gives you wisdom, instinct and courage. Fear. Fear is the cure for complacency, if it inspires you to take action.
It's important to recognize that fear outlives it's usefulness. Like any other dangerous substance fear can paralyze. Most people can't break past the fears that hold them hostage. They are stuck and can not break free.
So what do you do with fear? Ask yourself a few simple questions when you encounter fear in your leadership position.
Is this useful? Is it useful to me to be afraid right now? Exploring if what you are afraid of is useful to you is very valuable. If you can approach it logically, you separate the fear from the actual situation that is causing the fear. You can then start to address the thing you fear with a strategy to take action. Is what I am afraid of something I should be afraid of? Why am I afraid of it? Is it useful to me?
Is it stopping me? Is my fear stopping me from doing something that I should do? Am I afraid of giving a presentation? Am I afraid of making phone calls? Fear of rejection is a real problem for many people. What can you do? Think through the possible outcomes both good and bad.
What's the worst that can happen? If the answer is something that can kill you, then your fear is well founded and natural. There are those in leadership where this is a very real answer and we have our freedom because of these types of leaders. Most of the time the answer will be not that severe. So explore what it is. What is the worst fate that you can suffer in your experience. Can you handle the worst? Can you accept it? Will life go on?
Am I afraid of peoples response? Do I fear what people will say to me? Do I fear criticism? Do I fear what it will make me feel like to be criticized? What can I learn from it? Suppose I am criticized, supposed I suffer the worst? Does it change whether or not I should do what I am supposed to do? Can I learn from this experience anyways?
So now what? I suppose that if you've made it this far you can probably relate, that there is something that you are struggling with doing. I hope that some of the questions posed in this post will help you think it through and take the courage to act.
Dealing with fear is a very big part of leadership. It comes down to controlling the thoughts that would prevent you from taking the proper action. It's hard. But those that have dealt with their fears will tell you that it is well worth it.
Remember, it's natural to feel afraid; especially when taking on a position of leadership.
Fear is interesting to me. Fear motivates probably more than any other emotion. People do things both good and bad because of it, or in spite of it. To one person fear paralyzes, to another it inspires. Fear is a tactic for those in power, a technique in sales and marketing, fear is a dangerous chemical, a volatile explosive substance.
Do you live in fear? To a certain degree you should. Fear gives you alarm against the dangers that would do you harm. Fear gives you wisdom, instinct and courage. Fear. Fear is the cure for complacency, if it inspires you to take action.
It's important to recognize that fear outlives it's usefulness. Like any other dangerous substance fear can paralyze. Most people can't break past the fears that hold them hostage. They are stuck and can not break free.
So what do you do with fear? Ask yourself a few simple questions when you encounter fear in your leadership position.
Is this useful? Is it useful to me to be afraid right now? Exploring if what you are afraid of is useful to you is very valuable. If you can approach it logically, you separate the fear from the actual situation that is causing the fear. You can then start to address the thing you fear with a strategy to take action. Is what I am afraid of something I should be afraid of? Why am I afraid of it? Is it useful to me?
Is it stopping me? Is my fear stopping me from doing something that I should do? Am I afraid of giving a presentation? Am I afraid of making phone calls? Fear of rejection is a real problem for many people. What can you do? Think through the possible outcomes both good and bad.
What's the worst that can happen? If the answer is something that can kill you, then your fear is well founded and natural. There are those in leadership where this is a very real answer and we have our freedom because of these types of leaders. Most of the time the answer will be not that severe. So explore what it is. What is the worst fate that you can suffer in your experience. Can you handle the worst? Can you accept it? Will life go on?
Am I afraid of peoples response? Do I fear what people will say to me? Do I fear criticism? Do I fear what it will make me feel like to be criticized? What can I learn from it? Suppose I am criticized, supposed I suffer the worst? Does it change whether or not I should do what I am supposed to do? Can I learn from this experience anyways?
So now what? I suppose that if you've made it this far you can probably relate, that there is something that you are struggling with doing. I hope that some of the questions posed in this post will help you think it through and take the courage to act.
Dealing with fear is a very big part of leadership. It comes down to controlling the thoughts that would prevent you from taking the proper action. It's hard. But those that have dealt with their fears will tell you that it is well worth it.
Remember, it's natural to feel afraid; especially when taking on a position of leadership.
Good stuff - good questions - thanks!
Thanks for sharing this post.
Great thoughts that have been helpful to me. Thanks Danny.