What to do when fear takes over

Let’s talk about courage.

Did that just make you inhale sharply? If so, you wouldn’t be alone. Many of us tend to sweep
our courage under the pile of paper on our desk when something uncomfortable comes up. As
an executive coach who’s seen leaders navigate everything from boardroom battles to dreaded
performance review conversations, I can tell you that courage isn’t just for lion tamers and fire
fighters.

These days, our professional lives require more bravery than ever. We’re juggling multiple
(sometimes competing) priorities, navigating office politics, and trying to make bold decisions
while our inner voice screams, “Maybe we should just hide under the desk.”

But the thing about courage in the workplace is that it’s not about being fearless. It’s about being
scared and doing it anyway. It’s the moment when you raise your hand in a meeting to say,
“Actually, I think that strategy might have some holes in it,” knowing you might get some eye
rolls. It’s admitting you messed up instead of trying to blame it on system errors.

Through my years of coaching, I’ve spotted some key examples of professional courage.

I’m Not Perfect and That’s Okay. This is when you admit you don’t have all the answers, even
though you’re the leader and supposedly “should.” Surprise! Your team actually respects you
more when you’re not pretending to be perfect, it’s called healthy vulnerability.

This Is Going to Be About as Fun as a Root Canal. This is about making tough decisions that
might make you less popular than the person who microwaves fish in the office kitchen. It’s
having a conversation that makes your stomach do gymnastics, but you have it anyway.

Hold My Beer (or Coffee). This is taking calculated risks and trying new approaches, even
when the old ways are comfortable and have worked in the past, in the name of innovation and
progress.

Where do I find this courage you’re talking about?

• Get comfy with your fears. Name them, acknowledge them. “Hello, fear of public
  speaking, how nice of you to show up again.”

• Build a cheer squad. Find people who’ll support you when you’re being brave, and who
  won’t say “I told you so” when things go sideways.

• Start small. You don’t have to jump into the deep end right away. Maybe start by
  speaking up in a small team meeting before tackling a larger presentation. Baby steps
  still count as steps. Perhaps label them as experiments to take off the pressure!

• Remember your why. When fear creeps in, connect with your purpose. Are you trying to
  make positive changes? Help your team? Let that motivation push you forward.

Courage isn’t about never being scared
It’s about being scared and doing it anyway. Whether you’re pitching a new idea, changing
careers, or finally telling your boss that his “motivational” quotes are actually demotivating, each
brave step counts.
You might not feel brave every day, but keep showing up, keep trying, and remember that
everyone has things they’re nervous about. And they hide it just as well as you think you do.