What makes you a Fearless Leader?
FEARLESS LEADER,
Grow Fearless in 2021.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.
Knowing what must be done does away with fear.”
— ROSA PARKS
Fear is a feeling of dread, apprehension, or uneasiness. It can also be the respectful awe you feel toward the adversary or obstacles you’re facing. These days, fear underlies the state of unpredictability we all live in.
Being fearless doesn’t mean those feelings cease. It means, as FDR said, that “something else is more important than the fear.” Knowing this, you’re free to act despite the fear. Taking action displaces the fear.
Here’s how a Fearless Leader moves from provocation to action:
– something unexpected, disturbing, or threatening –
automatic FEAR response
↓
-you pause and refocus-
↓
learned CURIOSITY response
↓
You assess that something else is more important than the fear.
You figure out what can be done and what needs to be done.
You take action, even when the fear remains.
↓
You guide others through.
I’ve been watching the documentary series ‘The Last Dance’, about the making of the Chicago Bulls championship basketball team. Michael Jordan is riveting as he becomes a leader, but so are other players, coaches, family members, managers, owners, trainers, and assistants, as each is called upon to lead.
The way these leaders reflect and act reveals their Fearlessness.
“Leadership has a price,” Jordan says, “I pulled people along when they didn’t want to be pulled. I challenged people when they didn’t want to be challenged.”
These examples of leadership stood out to me in ‘The Last Dance’. Which are still challenging for you?
Fearless is the leader who leans on others; who passes the ball.
Fearless is the leader who makes unpopular, even vilified decisions for the progress of the franchise.
Fearless is the leader who knows their worth and doesn’t settle for less.
Fearless is the leader who takes time for fun.
Fearless is the leader who knows they don’t have to go it alone.
Fearless is the leader who respects and congratulates their opponent.
Fearless is the leader who notices and intervenes decisively for the well-being of their teammates.
Fearless is the leader who knows when it’s time to take a break.
Fearless is the leader who disrupts the institution so it can level up.
Fearless is the leader who takes the cheap shot without giving it back.
Fearless is the leader who acts in their own best interests.
Fearless is the leader who speaks from the heart.
Fearless is the leader who moves on when it’s time to do so.
Fearless is the leader who puts their true self forward.
“Harness the power of peers.”
— DANIEL PINK
Fearless leaders don’t deny when they’re in uncharted waters. They know that to navigate through they need all the wisdom, insight, and viewpoints of those around them. They’re intent on honing the skills they have and learning new ones they’re lacking. A fearless leader is in touch with reality, including their own shortcomings, resistance, and emotions – and converts that energy to engage with difficulty and make the hard decisions to not only stay the course, but to grow in leaps and bounds.
Grow Fearless – Together.
Join our 2021 Fearless Leader Executive Forum, a virtual place for real support and connection.
Engage in confidential, intelligent discourse with your peers about the slings and arrows and the quiet satisfaction of leadership during a time of crisis. Get feedback and actionable advice at each session.
Limited to 9 participants per session and a minimum 3-month commitment. Meets monthly.
Sign up here for the Annual Pass.