FEAR AND THE SPOTLIGHT
Fear is big. It's bigger than we could have imagined.
FEAR AND THE SPOTLIGHT
Visibility and vulnerability go hand-in-hand
We fear the moments where all eyes are on us.
Presenting at the front of the room, or speaking to a muted audience on a video call, gives people the fear. Suddenly we are very visible, out on our own and away from our team members. The centre of attention and the face of the work.
Being in the spotlight makes us vulnerable to judgement.
Ideas, personality, presentation style - whatever it might be, when an employee becomes visible, they invite direct, personal evaluation and critique. This fear of judgement is what makes the spotlight so frightening.
Feedback can be both friend and foe.
360 feedback can help us thrive and grow as professionals, but if negative feedback is given without warning, or feels blameworthy, it can fill people with dread that their worth will be decided by a single misstep.
Being in the spotlight makes us feel vulnerable. Building bravery and a culture of constructive feedback gives teams the tools and environment in which to thrive.
Next, what happens when fear is combined with a sense of uncertainty...
