Fear Makes Us All Vulnerable; Embracing it Makes Us Powerful

No one is afraid of nothing; at least that’s my contention if people are honest with themselves. Everyone experiences some kind of fear in their lives.

The expression fear of the unknown can cover a multitude of anxieties—fear of death, strangers, taking risks, making decisions, and even opening a door. What they have in common is uncertainty. No one knows what will happen when faced with the object of their fear. When someone takes a step into uncertainty, they immediately become vulnerable. Any of a number of consequences can play out—some positive, some negative, and some somewhere in between. The person is left exposed to these unknown factors. Everything is so unpredictable. No wonder people are anxious about putting themselves in such a vulnerable position.

However, our fears and reactions to them are, for the most part, internal. What may look frightening to one person may be less worrisome to another. While we can never eliminate uncertainty from our lives, we can learn how to effectively cope with the fear it produces.

This coping is an essential ingredient for strong leaders because their job often requires them to lead others into uncertainty. To show the way. To take the first step into the unknown. By showing vulnerability when faced with uncertainty, good leaders make it all right for those following to acknowledge their own fears. It provides an opening for discussion and results in a better plan for mitigating any potential obstacles ahead.

Leadership exemplified

Sir Ernest Shackleton, an Anglo-Irish explorer, during the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917, exemplified such leadership. Shackleton and his crew set out to make the first land crossing of Antarctica. However, their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the Antarctic ice, and after months of being stranded, the ship was crushed and sunk. Shackleton and his crew were left stranded on the ice, facing an unknown and perilous future.

Shackleton knew he had to act decisively to save his crew. He made the bold decision to lead a small group of men in a lifeboat on an arduous journey to find help. Leaving the majority of his crew behind on Elephant Island, he and five others set out on an 800-mile journey in a small lifeboat, enduring treacherous seas and harsh weather. Despite the unknowns and incredible odds, they managed to reach South Georgia Island, where they found help and eventually rescued the stranded crew on Elephant Island.

Shackleton's leadership throughout this ordeal showcased his ability to confront the unknown, make bold decisions, and maintain the morale and cohesion of his team. His determination and resourcefulness in the face of extreme adversity are often cited as examples of exceptional leadership.

No one is immune to vulnerability

What’s also remarkable about Shackleton is that while he was fully aware of the impact of his demeanor, attitude, even posture on the men he led, as well as the importance of projecting confidence, he was not immune from exposing his own vulnerabilities. As human beings, all leaders have anxieties and doubts. Having an outlet for them is crucial. Effective leaders understand this. They are self-aware and able to recognize their feelings and then express them appropriately, careful not to discourage their followers and thus risk mission failure. For example, Shackleton used his diary to express many of his negative emotions. He also confided in Frank Wild, his trusted second-in-command.

Accepting whatever comes next

As we go through our careers and lives, we can’t avoid facing fear and uncertainty, especially if we want to progress. When staring down the unknown and our fear of it, we have two choices. We can recoil in discomfort and cling to what we know, or we can become vulnerable enough to take a step forward and be open to whatever comes next.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on fear and vulnerability in leadership. Please feel free to send me your thoughts here on my website or email me directly at [email protected].

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