Leadership can feel like navigating a storm—especially when fear is the wind pushing you in every direction.

Dr. Rebecca Heiss breaks down the three instinctual traps that fear sets for us and how we can rise above them to lead with courage, even in tough times. Let’s dive in.

Trap 1: The Fight-or-Flight Fixation

When things get intense, our natural response is to fight the issue head-on or flee from it entirely. While this worked for our ancestors facing saber-toothed tigers, it’s not so great for solving workplace challenges.

How to Avoid It: Pause and assess. Instead of reacting impulsively, take a breath (literally).

Ask yourself: “What’s the best next step?” A calm mind makes clearer decisions.

Trap 2: The Need for Control

In uncertain times, leaders often grip tighter, trying to control every aspect of their environment. Spoiler alert: it’s exhausting for you and stifling for your team.

How to Avoid It: Lean into trust. Delegate tasks, empower your team, and focus on the bigger picture. Remember, great leaders steer the ship—they don’t micromanage every wave.

Trap 3: The Pack Mentality

When fear hits, it’s tempting to stick with what’s familiar and follow the crowd. While that feels safe, it’s also a surefire way to miss out on innovation and growth.

How to Avoid It: Be bold. Challenge the status quo and encourage your team to think differently. Leadership isn’t about blending in—it’s about standing out and guiding others to new possibilities.

By recognizing these instinctual traps and making intentional choices, we can lead with clarity, confidence, and yes, fearlessness—even when the world feels full of fear.

And to help your team fear less, check out Dr. Rebecca’s Heiss’s information and get in touch now. 2025 dates are booking up fast…

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