General Stanley McChrystal was the Commander of the Joint Special Operations from 2003-2008. He is credited with changing how counterterrorism warfare was conducted. He retired in 2010. He is he co-founder of the McChrystal Group consulting firm.
In a recent Inc. article he addressed the fear realities that all leaders face. “We’re all scared by different things at different times. The greatest fear for me is failing the organization.” McChrysal’s greatest fear can be identified with by every leader. All leaders, at some point, fear they will fail the organization they lead.
In his experience, Retired General McChrystal has discovered practical means to deal with his fear.
Focus on the problem, not the fear. When the fear is the focus of your attention avoidance becomes the emphasis. Giving the problem your attention overcomes the fear of failing and shifts it to a faith for a solution. “Don’t focus on the fear. Focus on the thing it is you’re trying to do.” Problem focused thinking negates fear fueled actions.
Plan. “I think the most frightening thing would be not being able to plan.” Plan the best you can. Implement as well as you can. Adjust when you can. A mentor of mine said: The person with the plan is the person with the power. A well conceived plan does not address every fear; but an ill-conceived plan can aid fear.
Be brave. When it comes to fear often you simply have to be brave. McChrystal saw bravery in the lives of 18-year-old soldiers who staffed checkpoints and faced hidden enemies. “I look at the 18-year-old kid who doesn’t get to focus, analyze the intel, and plan. He’s just out there, and we ask him to be brave.” Personal bravery is the last outpost of defending against fear.
The leader who claims she is never afraid has fooled herself into false security. Fear is not an emotion to be subdued, but something to be swung in your favor. Novelist Thomas Hardy said, “Fear is the mother of foresight.” Peer through your fear into the future.
