“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
How to be a fearless leader:
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Being “fearless” is not actually about never feeling the emotion of fear. We all feel fear. And it’s good that we do, because the good kind of fear keeps us safe and alerts us to threats in our environment.
The bad kind of fear is the kind that makes us live small, push people away, or lash out to stay in control–often as a preemptive defense mechanism.
None of us sets out to be a FEAR-FUL leader, but it can happen when we let our circumstances get the best of us!
So, here’s what you can do to become and remain a FEARLESS leader:
#1 Identity
Know your identity—that you are enough, that you are loved, and ensure you have a support system no matter what happens in your work or life. This can release you to take risks you may otherwise not be willing to take. This support can come from a variety of places:
- your faith
- a relationship with a spouse, sibling, parent or friend
- affirmations and truths you believe and speak to yourself daily
Know where yours comes from and take yourself to that place often.
#2 Preparation
Sometimes we experience fear and anxiety because we’re unprepared. Not that can never prepare for everything, but we can be as prepared for things within our influence and control.
- Educate yourself
- Build strong relationships
- Surround yourself with subject matter experts
Being prepared equips us to deal with and navigate the unexpected. And when the unexpected happens, our preparation allows us to be fully present and focused on what’s most important in that moment.
#3 Vision
Risks aren’t worth taking if you don’t have a larger vision that pulls you forward! The truth is, anything worth doing will involve risk. But when you are fueled by passion and a vision for how things can be, you make decisions based on hope and expectation rather than fear.
- Have a clear vision for yourself, your team, your organization
- Communicate it to others often
- Know, live and lead from your WHY!
Remember, fearless leaders FEEL FEAR; it’s what they do with that fear that counts!