The Behaviour Shift

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Fear is a powerful force—one that can either motivate us or paralyse us. In this edition of my LinkedIn newsletter, Conquer the Fear That’s Holding You and Your Team Back!, I delve into how fear impacts leaders and their teams, and more importantly, how to overcome it.

Fear isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a leadership issue. Often, fear stems from thoughts about past experiences or anxieties about the future, rather than the present moment. As leaders, when we allow fear to dominate, it not only hinders our own potential but also affects our team’s performance.

Fear is natural, rooted deep within our brain's amygdala—a survival mechanism from our ancestors who faced real dangers in the wild. But today, fear manifests in less life-threatening situations, like difficult conversations or high-stakes meetings. The problem arises when we let these fears dictate our actions, causing us to freeze or avoid challenges altogether.

This is where the true leadership challenge lies: acknowledging that fear is a part of the human experience, but not allowing it to stop us from pursuing our goals.

One of the most crucial steps in conquering fear is to recognise when it’s based on outdated or unfounded beliefs. Are you fearing something because of a real, present threat, or is it a narrative you’ve built over time? Understanding this distinction is the first step towards breaking free from fear’s grip.

As a leader, your fear can ripple through your team, leading to a culture of avoidance and missed opportunities. For instance, if you avoid confronting underperformance due to fear of conflict, your team may follow suit, creating an environment where issues are ignored rather than addressed.

To combat this, start by facing your fears in manageable ways. If speaking to large groups terrifies you, begin with smaller meetings and gradually build up. Replace negative self-talk with empowering language—shift from “I can’t” to “I can.” Over time, these small steps build confidence and resilience.

Finally, be open about your fears. Sharing them with a coach or trusted colleague can diminish their power over you. As you conquer your fears, you’ll set an example for your team, empowering them to do the same.

Remember, fear isn’t a final destination—it’s just a moment in time. With the right mindset and strategies, you can move past it and lead your team to greater success.

For a deeper dive into overcoming fear as a leader, read the full newsletter on LinkedIn.

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