Fear and Leadership

In the world of leadership, there's a key factor that we don't discuss enough - fear. Yes, you read that right. Successful leaders are well-acquainted with fear, understanding it more than most. At first, this idea might sound a bit odd, but the more we dig into it, the more it rings true.

The essence of leadership lies in decision-making. This process demands complete commitment, reliance on your instincts, and trust in your team. Yet, with this responsibility comes fear. Fear of failure, looking foolish, missing chances, losing your job, or even, in some severe circumstances, fear that someone might get hurt because of your decision. This kind of fear, or "Fear of Leadership", is something all leaders face.

Interestingly, good leaders don't shy away from this fear. Instead, they use it as a reminder of the hard work needed before making a decision. For them, the decision isn't the end of the process; it's a culmination of all the hard work that has come before.

I experienced this on August 8, 2012, when I was faced with a suicide bomber. Instead of being frozen by fear, my military training, trust in my team, and strong bonds formed through service, enabled me to take swift, decisive action.

Since leaving the military and government, my journey through tech and aerospace has been filled with instances of fear. Questions like, "Can I succeed as Chief of Staff at Boeing without an aerospace engineering degree or business experience?" or "Can I lead teams in a top tech company without a software or data science background?" were always in the back of my mind. Even, as a public speakder, "Can I captivate an audience when English was a language I only learned when I was 11-12?"

The answer to all these questions is a resounding yes, achieved through self-awareness of my weaknesses and continuous learning. In business, my strength lies in building teams, not by being the smartest in the room, but by bringing together the best talent from diverse backgrounds. I'm not afraid to ask questions or seek help when I need it.

The excitement of decision-making under pressure, the love for business, the ability to take calculated risks, and trust in your team and product – these are all part of winning in business. Passiveness can lead to stagnation, while being overly aggressive can repel potential clients and partners. Striking a balance is crucial.

Fear, if not understood, can become a hurdle. But when we harness it correctly, it can serve as a strong motivator, reminding us of the work that needs to be done, fueling action, and paving the path to success.

I'll leave you with this: "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." So take that fear and defy it. Use it as fuel to propel you forward, let it be your motivation, your turning point. Fear can paralyze dreams and hope, but you have the power to disappoint it. Never give up on yourself.

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