When Leaders Worry

There is plenty of bad news to report. Gas is nearly $4.00 per gallon (already there in some places). Food prices have soared in recent months. The housing market remains sluggish and uncertain. This year’s political campaign has been too long, too expensive and we still have months remaining before the elections. It’s getting harder to find qualified and motivated workers. You could add your own concerns to this short list.

What happens when leaders focus their energy on worrying about the competition or their company’s bottom line? For some this focus on the “what ifs” of life becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. By concentrating on the potential for negative results we actually limit our ability to generate creative and innovative thinking about the issues and problems we face. Employees, clients, and vendors become adversaries instead of partners in a potential solution. We waste valuable time and resources while failing to see the bigger picture.

Worry puts us into survival mode where we often react in ways that hurt relationships and limit possibilities. Some of us withdraw in this mode seeking refuge in an emotional cocoon instead of reaching out for help. When our situation doesn’t improve we may lash out at others with blame and anger. If coping is our only mechanism then we do little to learn and apply more healthy approaches to the challenges we all face.

Leaders who trust only in their personal coping skills, intellect, experience, and talents will eventually succumb to worry. We need to recognize the importance of trusting in a higher power and having faith that what we need will be provided for us. Regardless of the obstacle or circumstance we are not alone in our journey. Most leaders would benefit from being more vulnerable about their struggles with worry. Simply asking for help is a good place to start.