|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
The 'Fear Factor' and what you need to know about it
Written by: Christiane PohlArticle Overview: Or how to remove a major roadblock in communication
 |
Free Download - How to manage better by stepping back to move forward By Christiane Pohl |
The 'Fear Factor' and what you need to know about it
In Business as in everyday life a high percentage of our problems revolve around communication and cooperation.Establishing honest, clear communication and building an effective team has been cited in recent surveys as one of the top challenges for Managers and employees alike. And one of the key factors at the root of those problems is what I call the 'Fear Factor'.
Fear is one of our strongest feelings and in many ways is present every day in our personal and working environment.
The Fear I am referring to here is based on a perception of danger, not to our lives, but to our beliefs, concepts or ideas; our ways. When we perceive someone else's believes, concepts or behaviour as a threat to our own ways then we often react by defending our self (or ego).
In this way the 'Fear Factor' can act as a major roadblock in achieving honest and effective communication and cooperation.
So what is the solution? What can you do differently?
Recognise when the Fear Factor is active:
Recognise the Symptoms of Fear - it expresses itself externally or internally in forms of:
Aggression like anger, criticism, scolding, jealousy, blaming, defensiveness, resisting, judging or forms of Hiding like not expressing how one feels or not being honest.
Realise - most Fears (of rejection, failure, injustice, lack of control etc.) are linked to being afraid of not being liked, accepted or really understood.
Understand - that Fear is also an expression of caring for either the self (beliefs, concepts or wellbeing) or others (family, friends). To protect our ideas and beliefs we either 'fight or flight' (withdraw)
Observe - that this process is the same in everyone regardless of background, culture or education. When the 'Fear Factor' is activated in yourself or the other person, communication and cooperation becomes a challenge.
Take 4 steps to effectively deal with the 'Fear Factor':
Awareness - start with self-awareness. The best way to better understand others and their fears is by realising how the 'Fear Factor' works in you.
Recognise the symptoms. Where do you feel fear in your body (the abdomen, chest, throat?). What thoughts are activated? (Negative ones like being judgmental or defensive ones?). What feelings are active? (Insecurity, disapproval, doubt?).
Stop reacting! Observe what is happening inside you when communicating with others before you react. Watch for the symptoms of fear. You may know the expression 'talking is silver, silence is gold'; that is exactly what is needed initially. And once you feel calm - speak.
Practise every day by observing when communication and cooperation is effective and when it is not
Once you understand how the 'Fear Factor' affects you, you will also understand how it affects everyone else; the symptoms are always the same.
Start to identify the hidden Fears behind people's aggressions or lack of cooperation. Help them to recognise and overcome their fears by finding out what their worries, their concerns are. Then work together to find creative solutions.
From experience I know that successfully dealing with the 'Fear Factor' takes time and commitment. So if you would like some help to really get the hang of removing roadblocks to better communication and cooperation then consider arranging for a series of individual coaching sessions or a workshop for your whole team.
With my best wishes,
Christiane
The Art of Being Fearless: Knowing and Overcoming Fear In Everyday Business Life
Healthy Fear
The two things that kill marketing creativity
Leadership Development: FUD to FUN
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
Article Tags: awareness, Managing fear, removing blocks
|
About the Author: Christiane Pohl RSS for Christiane's articles - Visit Christiane's website  She has been working for many years as a coach and mentor with professionals in international companies. Her clients say that she has the gift of helping them identify what is most important to them, find solutions to challening situations and enable them to change and develop. She is considered to be resourceful, committed and practical with a healthy sense of humor. She has a diverse background which includes 20 years experience as a Manager in International Hotel Companies in Germany, Switzerland, England and Greece. Click here to visit Christiane's website  
 Leadership Skills Taking responsibility for our own choices and learning to stop playing the Blaming Game When LESS IS BEST Creating a Vision Do you have it in you Embracing new forms of Leadership Actions speak louder than words |
Related Forum Posts
Re: Fear of Success
- You don't need to fear success. We should embrace it. Fear is define by a man of God as
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real.
the meaning is what we fear most does'nt come to pass
Other Great Books...
- Feel The Fear And Do It AnyWay - Susan Jeffers
How To Stop Worrying And Do It Anyway - Dale Carnegie ('What's the worst that could happen - the worst?' Then prepare yourself for that and reality is such a relief!).
Re: What I'm reading this weekend - Oct 8, 2010
- these are great!
In particular, I liked "you’re already perfect" and "Smashing through the Black Wall of Fear."
That's exciting that there is a new 4-hour book out. I really enjoyed "The 4 hour Workweek."
Re: Franchises in Texas...
- [quote="RussellWebb":1kwhwvtt]Hi GT - I'm just fed up with the hand wringing fear-mongers. Yes, let's all do our share to reduce our impact on the global warming issues, yet at the same time we need to hear both sides of the story... then make educated decisions.[/quote:1kwhwvtt]
Hi Russell,
But don't you think society would fall apart without "fear" acting as a control?
Fear is what keeps people in check (e.g. if you commit a crime you go to jail or even get shot by the authorities in some countries).
What keeps you from just doing it?
- I think many people have limiting beliefs that keep them from following through on their ideas. Fear is certainly a factor, but even more limiting is the belief that it's too good to be true. Many people don't believe it is as simple as they dream it could be. And yet, some people have done exactly that and made millions.
Our world has taught us that you have to work really hard to get money and that it's only for a few. What belief do YOU have about money? Is it keeping you from taking that leap on following through with a great business idea?
I used to check in with money possibilities before I made a decision. Now I decide what I want to do and then figure out how to use money as a partner to get what I want. It's so freeing to not make decisions based around money fears... even if the funds aren't even there to follow through with it yet. I feel like I've finally stumbled on a secret. I'm not a millionaire yet, but I can tell you things are certainly going in a positive direction!
What's your experience? What keeps you from just following through on your entrepreneurial idea?
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: 
February 2012 Top 100 Leadership Experts to Follow on Twitter
Please Stop Calling it Coaching!
Measuring the Quality of Your Hires
The fine line 
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
TRADE SHOW FOLLOW-UP: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
Join Conversations Politely, Part 1
Stay Employed In A Down Economy
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.