Fear isn't just an inevitable part of organizational change—it's a powerful indicator of what matters most to your team. Drawing from over two decades of executive coaching experience, I take you through the psychology of workplace anxiety and reveal why our brains interpret changing processes as potential threats.
The heart of this episode introduces my CALM framework—a practical, human-centered approach that transformational leaders use to guide teams through uncertainty.
You'll discover why transparency about incomplete information builds more trust than waiting for perfect answers, and why acknowledging emotions creates the psychological safety necessary for adaptation. Through real-world examples from manufacturing and financial services, I demonstrate how these principles create resilience rather than resistance.
Most leaders make the critical mistake of trying to eliminate anxiety during change, but I'll show you why some anxiety is actually productive and how to recognize when it crosses into destructive territory. You'll learn to read the warning signs—like when questions stop, conflicts increase, or performance drops beyond the expected learning curve. The most profound shift happens when you begin seeing fear not as something to overcome, but as valuable information about your team's core values and needs. Behind every anxious employee is a human being who wants to contribute, succeed, and feel secure. When you lead with this understanding, fear transforms from a barrier into fuel for collective growth. What fears might your team be harboring that could actually point the way toward your next breakthrough?
Leadership Horizons - Helping You Lead Beyond Boundaries
