"All too often business leaders are making decisions based on unexamined fears, rather than really leaning into those worries and thinking them through. A 2023 survey of global business leaders suggests that a number of mistakes surface again and again. Three in particular top the list: Avoidance, inaction or not making an important decision, due to fear of making mistakes Overcontrolling, micromanaging or not empowering their teammates, due to a fear that they might make mistakes"
"Irrational fear, however, is less helpful. For example, you might be worried about how to find the right product market fit, which is a very rational thing to be concerned about. But if that concern leads you subconsciously to shut down, withhold information, or not voice your concerns because of a fear of retribution, that makes no sense. Your company will fail if you don't speak up."
Business leaders frequently let fear drive decisions, producing avoidance, micromanagement, and withheld feedback that impede growth and transformation. A majority of transformation initiatives fail, with fear a central cause. Fear has an evolutionary protective role, motivating action in clear threats, but it becomes harmful when irrational — prompting shutdown, silence, and poor choices. Leaders must learn to distinguish rational from irrational fear, listen to fear's signals, and convert caution into constructive action. Effective change requires risk-taking, empowerment, honest feedback, and psychological safety so teams can speak up and prevent failures caused by unexamined anxieties.
Read at Fast Company
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