Economic uncertainty. Health concerns. Isolation. There are plenty of things to fear in the midst of a pandemic. How can fear hurt your leadership? Can fear be transformed into an amplifier for good?

In our latest book, “What Great Teams Do Great: How Ordinary People Accomplish the Extraordinary,” we talk about the behaviors that lead to greatness and those that derail an individual or team. We call these Green Path behaviors (like caring, honest and direct communication and deep listening) and Red Path behaviors (like blaming others or being defensive).

Fear can lead to Red Path behaviors when leaders become paralyzed or take it out on others by creating a fear-based culture. Alternatively, fear can be converted into good by harnessing its energy and taking positive action. When you find yourself riddled with anxiety or fear, double down on the Green Path behaviors. This requires, first, that you recognize your emotional response to a difficulty. Then you must slow down long enough to implement well-reasoned (not knee-jerk) reactions.

Humanergy’s post on keeping perspective in a crisis explains the technique of Notice, Stop, Think and Choose as a means of choosing behavior in the midst of challenges. Remember that every day, every moment, your behavior is a choice.

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett

Have a tried-and-true method for transforming fear into positive action? Comment below or message us.

 

Photo by Maria Teneva on Unsplash