Fear Blocks Team Building

In Stephen Covey’s “Speed of Trust” his following statement about TRUST is equally true for FEAR – “It under grids and affects the quality of every relationship, every communication, every work project, every business venture, every effort in which we are engaged. It changes the quality of every present moment and alters the trajectory and outcome of every future moment of our lives – both personal and professionally.”

Kristen Ulmer in her book “The Art of Fear” suggests “If we started our practice just seeing Fear – the relationship you have with it and how it affects your life – then we move into a place of honoring and allowing Fear its rightful place in your life with respect and consideration,”

When we allow ourselves to feel, understand and face our fears it allows us to choose a different experience. Pay attention to the choices you are making. Explore your relationship with both Trust and Fear. There is healthy fear and trust that keeps us safe, emotionally and physically, and then there is fear that holds us back or trust that makes us vulnerable.

As we work together to create successful teams, we find ourselves and others bringing a variety of Fears that impact, not only how we show up, but how others respond to us, potentially impacting the entire team dynamic. Common Fears that shift our behavior or team dynamics include:

  • Fear of speaking up
  • What others will think of us or our ideas
  • How others might react to what we say
  • Fear of failure
  • Fear of being noticed
  • Fear of being wrong
  • Will others accept, like or respect us
  • Fear others have an agenda
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Fear of not being able to control things
  • Ambiguity
  • Fear of being taken advantage of

When you are part of a team assume positive intent on the part of others, be inquisitive, not reactive, acknowledge and support, allow yourself to be vulnerable (to a level you are comfortable) and extend trust. It is important to actively harvest the wisdom from your team, encourage participation, create a safe environment and Trust your team.