Feedback Form
Home Features Mastermind Forums About Advertise Blog Network Contact Be An Author

The 'Fear Factor' and what you need to know about it

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 Fear Factor and what you need to know about it - To learn more about this author, visit Christiane Pohl's Website.

Like this article? Share it with your friends

Article Feedback
 Article Feedback No article feedback found.
  Leave Your Feedback
article feedback

Article Feedback

To learn more about the Evan Elite Author Program please contact us.

About The Author


Christiane Pohl
(Visit Christiane's Website) Christiane Pohl does not just talk about it….she has actually done it. She has successfully created her life vision and has helped hundreds of people to do the same. In her coaching sessions, seminars and talks she inspires people and organizations to express their vision, clarify their purpose and create an environment that promotes productive cooperation with honest, clear communication. ‘Less Stress & More Life’ has become Christiane’s trademark for a series of compelling insights that bring clarity to the complex issue of how to thrive in Life and Business and successfully manage Time, Money, Relationships, Career and Health. Drawing on her experience as Manager, Therapist and tireless researcher Christiane devotes her time to help people to manage easier in both life and at work. With humor, wisdom and a strong dose of every day reality she offers tools and insights that will challenge you, transform you, inspire you and leave you with a new and powerful understanding of your self and your life.

Christiane Pohl is a Platinum author on EvanCarmichael.com
About The Author

View Author Blog
Making a Difference....together - Life and Leadership coaching specializing in Stress Management to help you lead the life of your choice filled with purpose and success. For more details on how I work take a look at my website www.christianepohl.com
Making a Difference....together
View Author Blog

View Author Video
View Author Video

Free Downloads


Christiane Pohl's

Complete
List Of
Work-Life
Articles

Name
Email
If you enjoyed this article, get Christiane Pohl's Complete List of Work-Life Articles For FREE!

More Christiane Pohl
A Road worth Traveling
How to reduce Stress and increase Health Happiness and Success
Stress Less by Meditating on a Raisin
The Art of Feeling Good in Life and Work
Less Stress More Profit the Value of Corporate Stress Management Training
The 4 main Stress factors and how you can reduce their impact
Does Spirituality enhance the work environment
Money cant buy you love but it can buy you happiness
7 Steps on how to Stress Less Manage Easier and Have a Life
Adopting Ancient Wisdom to enhancing our Modern Day Life Business
Free Downloads


 
 
 


Evan Elite Authors
Linda Richardson  
Stephanie Robey  
Dianne Crampton  
Evan Elite Authors

Become An Author
Have you written articles that would be of value to entrepreneurs? Become an expert on our site by publishing them! Expose yourself to a wide audience, drive more traffic to your website and get more sales! Click Here for details.
Become An Author

Evan's Latest Video
Modeling the Masters: Learn the true secrets behind Walt Disney's business success factors & grow your company! Video produced by Phanta Media
Evan's Latest Video

Business Opportunities
"Learn straight from Evan how you can Make a Full Time Income (And More) from a Website"

How to Start An Online Business

Click Here To Learn More
Business Opportunities



Evan's Newsletter
Get advice & tips from famous business owners, new articles by entrepreneur experts, my latest website updates, & special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Name:
Email:
Evan`s Newsletter

Free Downloads
EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY Icon EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES LIABILITY
Human Resources Checklist Icon Human Resources Checklist
Performance Emotional Intelligence Icon Performance Emotional Intelligence
Make It Happen Icon Make It Happen
Leadership Style Assessment Icon Leadership Style Assessment
Free Downloads - Complete List

Entrepreneur Tools and Guides
Email The Reporters
Email The Reporters
Press Release Builder
 
Top 50 Blogs For Startups To Watch In 2008
Top 50 Blogs For Startups
Top Blogs To Watch In 2008
 
Entrepreneur Tools and Guides

SEO For Africa
SEO For Africa
Ali Musa Goaso, Ghana,
Ali Musa
Goaso, Ghana
SEO For Africa

If I Were A Startup...
Frank Cianciulli, $2.3 to $7.5 Mil in 2 years
Frank Cianciulli
$2.3 to $7.5 Mil in 2 years
Geoff Whitlock, $53k to $507k in 3 years
Geoff Whitlock
$53k to $507k in 3 years
If I Were A Startup... - Complete List

Famous Entrepreneurs
Walt Disney, Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
Famous Entrepreneurs - Complete List

Entrepreneur Advice
Tom Peters, In Search Of Excellence
Tom Peters
In Search Of Excellence
Michael Gerber, The E Myth
Michael Gerber
The E Myth
Entrepreneur Advice - Complete List

Popular Articles
(Premium Authors)

     Anger Solutions at Work Can Your Team Survive
By Julie Christiansen
     Anger Solutions™ at Work: How to Cope with a Bully Boss
By Julie Christiansen
     Anger Solutions at Work - The Psychology of Procrastination
By Julie Christiansen

Have A Suggestion?
Toronto Salsa Classes / Toronto Salsa Lessons 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 and Sean Combs!
Have A Suggestion?

More Evan Carmichael
More Information