We’ve heard many leaders say “I want change BUT…” or “this sounds like a great idea BUT…”. Consider that whatever follows that BUT, is just an excuse or fear holding you back from getting what you really want. The silly thing is that we (you) are the ones putting the concern there. To be clear, whatever follows the “but” may be a valid concern, however it’s just an issue to handle rather than a barrier to achieving and taking action towards what you want.
“You don’t know MY situation”
Now you’re going to say, “Well Robbie and Lisa, you just don’t know my situation.” and that’s very true. We don’t know your exact situation, however we have dealt with enough organizations to know that sometimes as a leader or person who strives for change, your fear of failure can hold you back from stepping out and having the miraculous happen within your organization.
How to Make the Miraculous Happen? Ask: “What do I want more of?
Wait a minute, “having the miraculous happen” you might say? “Are you crazy, I just want people to stop arguing and do their job,” or I just need people to show up and help out.” While these are fine goals to strive for, consider if that’s ALL you got, would you be really happy? Always ask yourself, “What do I (or we) want more of”, instead of “what do I want to stop”. For example, ask yourself’ “What if our people were fully engaged, giving their best and had each others’ back working towards a common goal.” Now, we are willing to bet, that is something you truly want more of!! ?
Getting back to the fear of failure
You may have heard the phrase that “fear” stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Fear of failure is the most common fear that leaders face. It’s not just failing though; its the fear of what others will think or how we’ll look if we fail.
We tend to rationalize, get stuck by our fears or hope that someday circumstances will be better so we are not afraid. We get stuck by our critics or cynics pointing a finger telling us we’re crazy or that our idea will never work.
To learn more about this topic I highly recommend that you watch Brene Brown give her TED talk. We would encourage you (or plead with you) to watch the full length version.
Here is a short 3 minute clip highlighting her talk about fear and the critics.
The quote Brene outlines about critics and failure by Roosevelt, “Man in the Arena” resonates. Who cares what others think unless they are in the arena, fighting to make a positive difference in your organization.
Contact Support @ EMSLeadershipAcademy.com for some ideas on how you can easily overcome your fears and implement actions to cause positive lasting change in your organization.
Robbie MacCue
better to try and fail than stay the same