April 11, 2012

Your Biggest Business Fear

Fear is a curious emotion and one that is often created solely in our minds. If a lion was running at you in the jungle, you would be justified in feeling fear. But how often do we get wound up and stressed over something that is nothing more than a temporary situation or something we've created in our minds?

We may be worried about what happened yesterday and stressed about that meeting coming up tomorrow while we overlook what’s right in front of us. We miss right now while we spend far too much of our time worrying about the past and the future.

Some is Real, Most is Self-Inflicted 

If we try to change what has already happened, our inner critic seems to find great satisfaction in focusing on what we did wrong verses building on our strengths. No matter what we do, we can’t change the past yet we can let our minds be consumed by things that can't be changed. Making mistakes is part of the human condition so we need to give ourselves a break once in a while.

When you mesh fear with business, people can begin to act strangely. Some may say their focus is revenue but their behavior is creating the opposite effect. They are being tough on their team, over managing the situation and making everyone skittish. This type of environment will result in less revenue which will create even more anxiety.

Focus and leadership is hard and requires patience. So beating ourselves up about the past, or what may happen next, won't help.

Priorities Shifted

Some may decree that people are their most important asset but their actions prove they are doing all they can do alienate others for the purpose of improving business. And deep down, fear can be the culprit.

It’s been said that fear is a powerful motivator but just for today imagine all of those layers are removed. No more fear of failure, fear of leadership, fear of success, fear of speaking out, fear of losing your job, fear of that client hearing that their idea won't work, fear of standing up for yourself, fear of (insert here).

If you’re feeling stressed or fearful, reach out.
You will be pleasantly surprised who may help you.


Kneale Mann
 
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