Leaders Have Fears, Too
A lot of articles and studies since the pandemic are focused on the mental health and well-being of working people. It makes sense when you consider that by the end of 2021, we lost 3.5 million people globally to Covid-related deaths*, saw the shuttering of millions of businesses, witnessed or experienced large-scale downsizings, and lived and worked in isolation for more than two years.
While mental health and well-being have been the obvious elephant in the room, what we don’t talk about enough are fears. Specifically the fears of leaders themselves, the people who are in charge of making the decisions that affect hundreds and thousands of lives.
Fear is a natural feeling – like joy, sadness, anger, and shame. From neuroscientists like Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, we now understand that emotional responses are not triggered. Rather, they are constructed through a brain/body process by which we make predictions about the future, often negative because the brain’s primary function is to keep us safe.
Fear is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s a survival tool. You fear driving too fast when roads are icy or leaving your child unattended in a public place. These fears are normal. Fear becomes unhealthy when it prevents us from moving forward. When we don’t ask questions in a meeting to explore the CEO’s point of view. When we are afraid to challenge a powerful executive’s decision that we don’t support.
In a recent conversation with leaders, they talked about their fears in the workplace. These leaders shared their fears of lack of control; self-judgment and the judgment from others; reputational harm; harming others; economic loss; failure; and even fear of the unknown. Does any of this sound familiar? Maybe you can relate.
As leaders, it is especially important to identify and process your fears because the impacts of not doing so can be significant. People, organizations, shareholders, and communities depend on you regularly for the best possible outcome. If you are operating from a place within that is grounded in fear, either consciously or unconsciously, then you are likely not thinking clearly. You’re probably taking the safe path. You may be stifling your growth and your team’s growth, or not taking advantage of business opportunities.
What to do? You find yourself in a moment of fear - you feel the tension in your stomach, your shoulders...you know the signs - you’re scared. The self-talk is negative, your inner “saboteurs” are actively saying “beware.” Sometimes we completely freeze up. Celebrate the recognition of these feelings because it means you are self-aware that they are even happening. This alone is a big step!
Next, think of your brain as an orchestra and you’re its conductor. All the instruments are on the stage, but you decide how loudly or softly they play. If fear is the loud drum segment drowning out all other instruments, lower its volume and turn up the instruments that represent safety, well-being, and self-empowerment. What orchestral instruments could you choose? You are in control and get to decide. Your body will relax, wisdom prevails, and you will begin to see a more positive future. Once you visualize this future, engage others on your team to create a plan of execution.
Managing your fears takes some practice. But as you practice, it will become easier, more natural…over time, instinctive.
Who would you be as a leader if you weren’t afraid? Imagine the possibilities.
* Source: Gallup 2022 Global Workplace Report
Sherri McArdle is a wife and mother to adult children and has been a business leader/owner for over 25 years. She is also a Master Certified Coach and Certified Neuro-Transformational™ Coach to leaders and executives across the country, and a trained mediator. Sherri McArdle LLC is a New York State certified woman-owned business enterprise.
