Danger in the Comfort Zone

7

Moving Away From Fear—Decrease Pressure

We have talked a lot about the disabling condition called Entitlement, but the opposite condition is just as debilitating. Fear, particularly at the extreme end of the curve where it becomes paralysis, destroys creative energy just as surely as the lethargy of Entitlement. Fear, anxiety, uncertainty mean the same thing: deep-down panic that your job is in jeopardy and the situation is out of your control.

To get back on track, organizations must first reduce anxiety by creating mechanisms by which people can earn reasonable levels of security. The parameters of what can be earned, the nature of the contract, and mutual expectations and requirements should be spelled out. People need to know what’s being ...