Leaders have to understand “Risks” but what they first need to understand and manage is our reaction to Danger.
Humans are experts at detecting and assessing danger. Most people don’t even realize they have this “6th sense”.
We are hard wired in our primeval brains to sense danger instantly – much faster than we pick up words or even recognize objects. This is what provokes instant responses to spiders or strange noises on a dark night.
This system doesn’t switch off when we’re at work.
Your response to Danger or Risk is a critical issue and how it is shared across a team defines you as a leader.
It’s a question of Balance
A risk free life would be sterile and stagnant, and ultimately worthless.
A leader has to make sure enough risk is taken to move forward but not so much as to destroy the organization. This is the balance. In effective teams every member of the team takes a share of the risk, and none too much.
Leaders need to make people aware of danger, but not be the source of the danger.
Our automatic sensing of danger is why the use of fear as a way of controlling behavior is so effective and widespread. It’s a lazy way to lead.
It’s also certain to fail in the long run.
“we are hardwired …to sense danger instantly…”
A leader who inspires fear triggers the same response as spiders or strange noises.
Fear shuts down whole sections of the brain and drives decisions that would never be made without it. Often poor decisions, because they are separated from our conscious minds and driven by panic not logic.
Oddly enough the leaders who make themselves the source of fear often miss the real dangers threatening their teams..
Good leaders know how easy it is to control by fear so are very careful using it.
Good leaders create a sense of safety to allow the best decisions to be made,
Good leaders don’t ignore danger they look out for it. They have the courage to take risks, along with their team, and inspire their team to overcome their fears.
Do you look out for risks, or hope they’re not there?
When do you use fear to influence behavior?
When do you calm the fears of your team to influence behavior?
It’s a dangerous world out there – tread wisely.