The Power of Fear and Courage
Fear motivates us in so many challenging ways. Sometimes it paralyzes us and sometimes it causes us to dig deeply into the best in ourselves and others.
All too often we hesitate or avoid giving frank, honest feedback to our colleagues because we are afraid of their reaction. We keep quiet when we disagree with the proposed direction, afraid that we will be labeled as “not a team player.” We doubt ourselves and withhold our best ideas, thoughts, and contributions, being afraid that they are not good enough. We imagine the worst, and cover up the truth in order to avoid addressing reality.
The opposite of fear is not hope, but courage. Courage comes from the quiet recognition that we are not in control of the outcome, but we can successfully respond to any situation. We don’t know how our colleague will react when we give them feedback, but we can respond to their anger, discouragement, incredulousness or any other response with our honest intent to support them in being successful. We can suggest alternate directions and respond to criticisms that we are “not a team player” with our verbalization of our commitment to the team and the most ideal outcome.
In each case, having the clarity of our commitment to the other person, team, or goal is the path to tap into our courage and the tool to navigate through our fear. Overcoming this fear is not as simple as pulling up your bootstraps and being courageous. It is having a larger commitment that compels you to take action even as you feel afraid. It is having the ability to articulate your concerns and suggestions in ways that can be heard by the other party. It is the skill of holding a space for an alternative opinion that aims to maintain the relationship, at the same time that you are in disagreement. It’s knowing that you, and your goals, are bigger than your fears.
Do not mistake permission to feel afraid in times of flux as permission to cower. Stand up. Uncover your eyes. — Maggie Smith
About the Authors
Pam Thompson MS, RN, FAAN is the CEO Emeritus of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, formerly AONE. During the same time, 2000–2016, she was the Senior VP of Nursing for the American Hospital Association. After retiring in 2017, she now serves as a healthcare consultant and volunteer board member and trustee for several healthcare entities.
Marla Weston PhD, RN, FAAN is the past CEO of the American Nurses Association Enterprise which included the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Credentialing Center and American Nurses Foundation, serving from 2009 to 2018. She now is a consultant and facilitator in leadership development, organizational strategy and growth, and future trends.
