25 Jul

What does the word “fear” mean to you? How often do you experience it? Do you face it head-on, or do you ignore it and let it simmer and grow? We continually speak about courageous leadership; the flip side of that is leading and living in panic. We saw this on a social media page:

FEAR

Forget Everything And Run
Face Everything And Rise

To lead is difficult when you’re a follower of fear.
–T.A. Sachs

If you’re experiencing fear in the workplace, chances are you’re not alone. It’s a time of uncertainty and a time for change. We’re a quick paced society with little time to process and manage what’s happening, but that’s exactly what we must do.

If something does not feel right, do you take the time to acknowledge your feelings and make a conscious effort to get your arms around that feeling and take control?

Fear is certainly not new, and the quotes below span generations and provide inspiration:

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
–Marie Curie

To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.
–Bertrand Russell

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.
–Rosa Parks

Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.
–Brendan Francis

There are times when fear is good. It must keep its watchful place at the heart’s controls.
–Aeschylus

Tips For Leading Through Fear

  • Create an environment that has open lines of communication
  • Take a pulse of what’s happening around you; add 5 minutes to your staff meeting agenda to ask team members what they’re feeling
  • Make sure all changes are discussed with impacts clearly stated; share the “why” whenever possible
  • Be proactive rather than reactive; share what you can in advance of impacts being felt
  • Restate goals and priorities

By addressing and managing panic, stress levels will be reduced, and a sense of stability in the workplace will be allowed to grow.

Are you willing to Face Everything And Rise?