My Relationship with Fear at the Apex of COVID-19

We all are grappling with - in varying degrees - the uncertainty, ambiguity and fear of what the other side of COVID-19 will look like. I readily admit my guilt in processing this pandemic through the lens of denial.... fear’s favorite son.

Steady in my conviction that the overreactions of media, government and citizens are merely an act of sensationalism that will quickly run its course. Having worked inside federal agencies for 10 years and been party to untold hyperbolic episodes inherent in national politics, my belief system was impenetrable. When much of your career is defined by chaos -like many sectors- it can diminish your sensitivity even to the likes of a global pandemic. It’s that nifty mechanism of the brain’s amygdala that disassociates from chaotic patterns and prepares to fight or flight… or deny.

In parallel, my clients and closest colleagues were sharing their emotions of deepened isolation, loneliness, lacking motivation and a sense of control and a widespread shock that COVID-19 could even happen to America in 2020. The statistics are mind-numbing and the social inequities of those most impacted is heart-wrenching. The enormity of it all and the sense of helplessness is inexpressible. 

The net impact of these vulnerable and graciously candid conversations eventually displaced my fear-induced denial with reason and acceptance. In this gnarly relay race to a new reality, I’m moving out of fear and into an action phase. I want to build that coalition with all of you.

As leaders selectively move past the fear -and all its manifestations- of this unprecedented shutdown, we search for a reasonable response and a way forward in shaping the new normal. Pre-COVID, the proliferation of social media had the unintended effect of creating more distance and loneliness as researchers published volumes of data that classified loneliness as a greater public health hazard than obesity or smoking.

Through all of this, the power of community, unity and connection takes on a profound sense of urgency. As a community leader, this is my singular focus and I challenge others to share in this approach.

Employees want to feel a sense of inclusion more than ever. This is the time to be the example for employees and demonstrate how to bring people together and create new norms that transcend this evil virus.

As JFK stated: “change is the law of life.” And as more companies are forced to leave the workforce dark ages and enter the remote workplace revolution, employees may expect a higher quality of life. For those historically precluded from job promotions and career advancement because of their need for flexibility, an avalanche of opportunity becomes yours. There are more unknowns than knowns at this stage and that spells opportunity in my mind.

We know some people run from fire while others are built by that fire. As a raging optimist, I’m hell-bent on co-creating the full spectrum of inclusive workforce opportunities that await us on the other side of fear. Who’s with me? 

Holly Smithson | Athena CEO

April 9, 2020