The world has been in a constant state of flux, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Are You Rocking this uncertainty, or is it rocking you? Over the past few weeks, many leaders have expressed feelings of fatigue, lack of focus, and frustration. This isn’t surprising considering the unprecedented challenges we’ve all faced. While there might have been moments of peace during lockdowns, the underlying current of anxiety about the future has been difficult to ignore.
Are You Fit to Fly? Navigating Uncertainty
Just as pilots assess their fitness to fly before each flight, we need to evaluate our own mental and emotional fitness to navigate these uncertain times. A pilot’s fitness encompasses physiological, cognitive, psychological, and psychiatric well-being. Similarly, we must acknowledge the impact of uncertainty on our own well-being and take responsibility for managing it. This self-awareness is crucial because no one else can truly understand what we’re experiencing internally.
You Rocking Your Reptilian Brain
The current global situation triggers our “reptilian brain,” the primal part responsible for survival instincts. This triggers our fight-or-flight response, flooding our systems with adrenaline and cortisol. Prolonged exposure to these stress hormones leads to fatigue and other physiological symptoms, explaining why many feel exhausted despite having had time off. We might even criticize ourselves for not feeling rested or ready to face what’s next. This is where understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs comes in. We can’t focus on higher-level needs like self-actualization when our basic needs for safety and security feel threatened. And right now, predicting the future while questioning our fundamental survival is a recipe for anxiety.
Confronting Fear: Are You Rocking It?
Renowned psychologist Jordan Peterson emphasizes that feeling anxious is a normal response to vulnerability. He suggests a proactive approach: identify your fears, break them down into manageable steps, and voluntarily expose yourself to them incrementally. This gradual exposure, crucial for positive outcomes, allows you to build resilience and conquer your anxieties. Are you rocking this process, or are you letting fear paralyze you?
Leading Through Vulnerability: You Rocking Together
The current climate demands open and honest communication. As leaders, acknowledging our own imperfections empowers our teams to do the same. This transparency fosters connection and strength, reminding us that we’re all in this together. Previous articles on “The Vulnerability of Strong Leadership” and “The Power of Imperfect Leadership” highlight the importance of this approach. When we lead with authenticity, we create space for collective vulnerability and shared responsibility. This isn’t about having all the answers, but about navigating uncertainty together.
You Rocking the Future: Collective Responsibility
There’s no magic formula for predicting the future. What we can do is leverage our collective strength: compassion, determination, and a willingness to move forward together. We are tired, imperfect, and uncertain, but we are also compassionate, determined, and capable of incredible things. It’s time to embrace our shared humanity and rise to the occasion. This requires not just individual leadership but collective leadership where everyone contributes. Are you ready to rock the future, together?
by Christen Killick
May 11th, 2020
