Stop Being a Wimp and Start Leading

Posted by Kristin Baird

There is a four-letter word that stifles even the best leaders. FEAR. I’ve heard people use an acronym – Forget Everything And Run. That certainly won’t get a leader very far. The mantra I like to use when I notice fear is keeping me from taking action is; Face Everything And Rally. 

I coach a number of leaders and find that it is most often the culprit whispering in their ears and keeping them from taking action. Of course I can’t bluntly point out that they are afraid. This would put them on the defensive. I have to help them discover what is at the root of their behavior. As they peel back the onion, lo and behold, most often, there sits a solid little kernel of fear. 

Manifestation

Fear manifests in many ways, but when it comes to leadership, I see it manifest as avoidance behavior. 

  • Putting off difficult conversations and telling themselves they don’t have time 
  • Telling themselves they don’t want to make a big deal out of something (even though their gut signals they should take action)
  • Hoping the problem will just go away

For every day a leader avoids confronting difficult conversations, they are eroding their own credibility. Is fear causing you to wimp out. Time to rally.

  1. Leaders don’t duck!
  2. Courageous Leadership is Central in Creating a Culture of Excellence
  3. Avoiding Conflict Can Destroy a Leader’s Credibility
  4. What You Permit, You Promote
  5. Workplace Drama Impacts Patient Care
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