Transforming Anxiety into Engagement
I sent a note to several leaders, “People are often nervous when the boss shows up. How do you put people at ease?”
The desire to please the boss causes anxiety. People may pretend they aren’t nervous. But authority makes people scamper on the inside, even when working side-by-side.
When The Boss Shows Up People Think:
- What’s wrong?
- Is my work good enough? Am I in trouble?
- What are they after?
- Is something big happening?
- I hope I’m not put on the spot.
- Is someone getting fired?
- I hope they don’t talk to me.
Anxiety blocks peak performance, disrupts routines, and lowers confidence.
A little anxiety brings out our best. Energy goes up. We pay attention to details. Our focus is sharp. Work is dull apart from healthy stress. Lots of fear defeats us.
Transform Anxiety Into Engagement:
Show up frequently. One leader said they participate in activities outside work. Go to social events. Participate in team building activities. This advice may not apply if you are three or four levels up in an organization.
A pattern of showing up normalizes your presence. Be known for talking to everyone from frontline folks to managers.
Another leader mentioned that people judge threat level based on intangibles. What you say is important. How you say it is more important. The higher you go the more menacing you become even if you are a kitten at heart. Another leader suggested that a little humor might help. Just have conversations.
Another text suggested starting on a positive note. One leader asks, “What are you doing here that other teams might benefit from knowing?” You might say, “Tell me about some of your wins.” Affirm, don’t judge.
Note: Leaders create environments where anxiety is less likely but can’t control other people’s emotions. 7 Top Strategies that Break the Grip of Self-Inflicted Anxiety
How can leaders work to lower anxiety in others?
Still curious: Workplace Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment (webmd.com)
