The Fear Factor

 

Of the two typical traits discussed in business books and motivational gurus’ circles, Fear and Greed, Fear is the more hardwired and human-like one, making it very easy to leverage and exploit.

Every single reader of this article will have personal experience of Fear-based management. The interesting thing is that it doesn’t necessarily relate to a professional context. After all, our parents used Fear as a tool since we were born.

Fear is an easy – if blunt – tool to use to manage behaviour. If used sparingly and correctly, it has extremely powerful and even positive qualities. Who can argue against making children afraid of personal harm through experience or evidence? (before explaining context and logic around the topic, of course). You don’t want your children hurt; you tell them stories to scare them away from dangerous situations.

But here’s the key: once children grow up, you have to change the medium and use tools appropriate to age and maturity level. The same applies to work associates and their experience and skill.

I would argue that as we grow up and become more aware of context and social dynamics, the Fear element should be gradually dialed down towards zero, for using Fear against trusted and experienced associates - in fact, against anyone in a professional capacity - infantilises them and moves the relationship towards blackmail. It also shows a lack of personal empathy and respect.

The signs of Fear-based management are easy to spot so I won’t list them here, but it is safe to say that if you feel that the other party is using intimidation as a motivational tool, you are in a poor relationship which will ultimately result in a rift.

The secondary – and equally negative – effect of Fear-based management is the inevitable onset of distrust and cynicism on the receiving side. If you are not trusted and scared into task-based behaviour, you will end up in a stressful vicious circle of subconsciously expecting negative outcomes and projecting this negativity outward. Sometimes this is by design. Some people deliberately create a Fear-based ecosystem as it can work as a perverse loyalty trap. Fear is very powerful.

So, what can you do about it?

First, separate good Fear from bad Fear. Good Fear keeps us safe and alive, and it’s an innate trait we should be aware of and use as a trusted friend. Don’t take risks you don’t understand, never reach the point of ruin, never ignore Fear. Essential stuff.

It is bad Fear you need to address, for it is happening to you but it's deliberately generated outside. In this case, follow Frank Herbert’s quote from “Dune”:

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

In other words, dissect and analyse the causes of this Fear and one by one address them by identifying the actor, motive and execution to remove them and take control of the situation.

What will be left is a clear action path to an improved condition.