If You Fear, Make it Work for You!
“Fear defeats more people that any other one thing in the world.”
I was recently reading the book “Do it Scared” by Ruth Soukup and was compelled to reflect on the fear we often experience as leaders. It could be the concern about psychological safety in speaking up or confidence in the value recognized by the contributions we make.
As someone who has held leadership positions for several decades, I know firsthand how scary it can be to make decisions that have real consequences. There have been moments where my fear almost overwhelmed me, but I've learned that it's important to push through that fear and take action anyway.
Leadership can be tough. It requires you to make tough calls, often in the face of uncertainty. It's easy to get bogged down by fear, but as a leader, you have to find a way to manage those emotions and keep moving forward.
When things don't go according to plan, it's natural to feel discouraged, not to mention that shortcomings are typically what leaders focus on versus the wins. But that's when it's most important to stay focused and keep pushing. As a leader, you need to be able to take risks and make tough decisions, even when you're scared.
One thing that has helped me in the past is to embrace my fears. Instead of trying to ignore them, I acknowledge them and then push forward anyway. It's not always easy, but it has helped me build confidence and develop the skills I need to be an effective leader.
Another thing that has been helpful for me is seeking out support from others, knowing I don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to your network or personal board of directors who have been in similar situations and learn from their experiences. Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you to be your best self.
Fear can be a powerful force, but there are strategies you can use to help reduce it and build your confidence as a leader.
It’s important to have a plan. When you have a clear strategy in place, it can help to reduce uncertainty and provide a roadmap for moving forward. Having a plan can help you feel more in control of the situation and give you the confidence you need to take action.
Focus on your strengths. As a leader, it's easy to get bogged down by your weaknesses or the things you don't know how to do. But by focusing on your strengths and the things you do well, you can build confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Quiet the inner critic. Fear is real and we all struggle with self-doubt. We hear the voice in our head, the story in our head (e.g., you’re not qualified, you aren’t smart enough, you need to prove yourself….). This is the subconscious mind speaking, where the inner critic lives, and was programmed by others (parents, relatives, teachers….). The inner critic is designed to keep us safe, through fear, based on NO real evidence. When the voice in your head starts speaking take a moment to stop and think about what is happening. Look for the evidence in the story. It is at that moment you can rise to a higher level of consciousness and can make a conscious choice.
Communicate all the time. When leaders get scared they get quiet. They don’t want to let their weakness/fears show. But what is important to know is that when communication fades, trust diminishes. Therefore, leaders must communicate all the time, especially in times of turbulence or uncertainty.
Celebrate your successes. Remind yourself about the things you've accomplished and are proud of. Define and appreciate your personal brand and the value proposition you bring as a leader.
Seek out feedback. Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, or even your team members. This can help you identify areas where you're doing well and where you can improve, and it can also help you feel more supported in your role as a leader reducing fear and building confidence.
Take care of yourself. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking breaks when you need them. Exercise can also be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety as well as declutter the mind of the noise of the inner critic.
At the end of the day, being a leader requires courage. You have to be willing to take risks and face your fears head-on. But by doing so, you'll develop the skills and confidence you need to be an effective leader. Fear may be a natural response, but it doesn't have to control your actions.
Having a plan, focusing on your strengths, seeking feedback, and taking care of yourself are all strategies you can use to help reduce fear and build confidence as a leader. By implementing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to handle challenging situations and make the tough decisions that come with leadership.
“A big part of your fear of being judged or of letting people down comes from the script that plays inside your head - a script that says others might not love or accept you if you don’t perform the way you think they want you to.”
The Mastering Self Leadership Workshop is now open for enrollment! Live, virtual classes begin May 13, 2023 so don’t miss out. This will be a small group learning format so we are limiting participants. Join us for 4-weeks as we reflect on where we’ve been, understand how we are perceived, harness our potential to have the impact we desire, and set goals aligned with our leadership values. Join Now! 💻
Book: Do It Scared by Ruth Soukup
Book: Declutter Your Mind: How to Stop Worrying, Relieve Anxiety and Eliminate Negative Thinking - by S.J. Scott
Video: What Good Leaders Do When They Get Scared YouTube Video from Craig Groeschel
Video: Go Where The Fear Is YouTube Video from Tyler Waye
Are you burned out, frustrated, working twice as hard, and struggling to get team support? Be the Leader Employees are Seeking provides a comprehensive roadmap to manage the people side of the business. It uses the H.U.M.A.N.S 1st Technique principles that are curated by decades of real-life experiences and proven success.
Whether a NEW, SEASONED or CURIOUS leader, implementing the H.U.M.A.N.S. 1st Technique offers insight that will begin to repair the workplace, spark positive relationships and initiate great success.
P.S. Reply to this newsletter and let me know what you are reading 📚
This week we hosted our first LinkedIn Live events (yes we did two!)
Make sure you are following us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on our upcoming events, but below is the event we hosted on April 21 discussing the barriers that hold us back to leaders, and how we can push through to unlock our potential:
“Breaking Through Leadership Barriers: What's Holding You Back?" This is a replay from our live Friday, April 21st where we discussed how to unlock your leadership potential, challenge traditional notions of leadership, and embrace growth. 💪🔥
