Of all the challenges leaders face, none is more pervasive yet hidden than fear of failure.
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert F. Kennedy
Leadership is a tough job that requires courage. Doubts, insecurities and fears make organizational challenges more difficult and, in extreme cases, insurmountable. No matter how confident you may appear, anxiety can occur at pivotal times in your career.
Fears are normal emotions that emerge in times of crisis. It’s been said that courage has no benchmark unless one grasps the reality of fear. Fears are real, often strong and quite disruptive, but your response to them defines your leadership hardiness.
Ironically, many of the leaders I work with don’t admit to fear of failure, out of fear the competition will perceive them as weak. Like an undiagnosed infectious disease, however, it can spread quickly. Fearful leaders can debilitate their organizations’ ability to function, compromising productivity, decision-making, strategic thinking and employee management. Once infected, such leaders are likely to experience issues in their personal lives, as well.
Organizations rely on their leaders to set a vision; provide direction; and implement plans that instill trust, confidence and the performance needed to meet desired goals. Leaders must possess strength and determination to face these challenges and overcome barriers on the way to success.
The task of managing people, with their various motivations, strengths and weaknesses, can prove daunting. Organizational dynamics, rapidly changing markets and tough competition only add to leaders’ challenges.
Even heroes have fears, to some degree. But they do what’s required despite their fears, ultimately becoming stronger in the process.
Fear of failure can sometimes be suppressed, but when this proves impossible, you can no longer ignore it. You must deal with it.
Does this sound familiar to you? When was the last time you felt the bite of fear of failure nipping? It takes courage to admit it, which is why working with a confidential coach is so advantageous.
I’d love to hear your experience and opinion. As always, I’d love to hear from you. I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
