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When we create fear in those we lead, we spread anxiety; the most contagious emotion in the human condition. We will get a reaction for sure, but our influence will be temporary.

The use of fear inducing language is often less about a genuine and urgent crisis and more about limited capability. It’s simply much easier to scare the life out of people than it is to inspire them with a compelling vision of the future.

Instead, we want to spread calm and confidence. That is what we are all looking for from our leaders.

While it is more challenging to light a fire inside others, the results are far more powerful and sustainable. This is the place of lasting influence. This is how we help others change.

To have a sustained, positive influence on others, start by checking your language. Avoid statements that create alarm, are unnecessarily inflammatory, confrontational or accusatory. “This is a disaster”. “We are so screwed”. “You’re an idiot.”

You may not realize it at the time, but you are projecting fear and forcing others to scramble to figure out how to placate you, instead of influencing them toward a solution.

Rather than create drama, focus on the issue at hand calmly and confidently. When you project calm and confidence – especially in a difficult situation – others will follow suit. You will increase your influence and keep everyone moving forward.

One of the most profound things you can do for others is to inspire hope, not fear. The ability to inspire hope also dramatically increases your influence. Based on the pioneering work of Charles Snyder, we now understand that hope is not an emotion, but a process.

Hope is made up of goals, pathways to achieve those goals and a sense of personal agency, where agency is the belief that ‘my’ effort makes a difference.

INSPIRATION FROM OTHERS

“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader; a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“A leader is a dealer in hope.” – Napoleon

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON

When others are lacking hope, ask yourself:

• Are they crystal clear on what success looks like?
• Are they clear on the pathways to success?
• Do they believe their effort make a difference?

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