I once worked for a boss who operated from a place of fear.
At times, he could be a really good guy. He was a father and a husband, a family man so to speak. He also had a rough upbringing, plagued with health issues and as a result, took pessimism to an extreme. The glass wasn’t half empty; it was shattered and broken beyond repair. He was a man waiting for the other shoe to drop, mainly because at one point or another, it had.
When things were going smoothly at the office, work was great. The environment was pleasant, open, and even jovial. We collaborated, we came together, and we challenged each other in a respectful fashion. We brought out the best in one another and our team.
When something scared him though (an employee made a mistake or someone above him asked a question he couldn’t answer), his knee jerk reaction wasn’t pleasant. Suddenly this amiable person put up a wall. He refused to listen at all, much less to logic or reason and instead spewed out demands, which ultimately lead to future failures. Professionalism and potential solutions went out the window. Instead he micro managed, he berated, and he bullied, because deep down underneath it all, he was scared; scared he’d look foolish, scared he’d lose his job, scared the other shoe would drop.
As a result, morale suffered and we lost good employees. Those who remained shut down and isolated, sending creativity, collaboration and innovation out the window. Poor policies hastily put in place ended up crippling the workplace, and the company as a whole suffered.
When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, no one wins.
When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we shoot unarmed persons of color.
When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we shut out those who can help us build a better culture.
When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we close our minds to creativity and innovation.
We put up walls when we should be building bridges.
We close our hearts to humanity when we should be embracing it.
We deem those less fortunate as lazy and system abusers when we should be creating a system which leads to their success.
We demand and divide when we need to listen and learn.
When we allow fear to dictate our decisions, we hurt ourselves, our country and our future.
It’s time to stop allowing our fears to weaken us and instead let our hearts lead us.
Thanks for letting me Think Out Loud today Ms. Amanda.
I love this and I puffy heart love you! With pink glitter sparkling vibes.
Totally agree. Live from a place of love. Wub sweet wub. XOXO
Danielle recently posted…WIR sleep less play more
Love you.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
YES TO THIS WHOLE THING. Thank you thank you
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…my 2017 charlotte food & drink bucket list
You are most welcome. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Way to go Meg!!!
Fist bump. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Thanks for posting this. I go back and forth between being fired up to create change and feeling utterly depressed and defeated. But we absolutely need to keep saying these things out loud (no pun intended).
I understand. I feel similarly. I’m trying to distance myself a bit from the more inflammatory stuff and stick to just straight news. It’s helping a little bit.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Thank you for this, Meg.
You are most welcome sunshine. It’s lovely to hear from you. I think about you and Krispy often.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
YES. Beautifully said.
Empathy is something we must cling to and we must stop letting fear dictate our choices.
Catherine @ A Cup of Catherine recently posted…How Taking An Antidepressant Has Changed My Life
Yes we need to find empathy and try to walk in someone else’s shoes.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
YES. Bravery means risk and our hearts have to lead us there.
Jamie@TheMomGene recently posted…A Blogger Thank You
Well said.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
100% yes! Loved and shared.
Lead your life guided by the love of your heart <3
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…5 Top Tips For ME! #5TTT
Thanks sunshine. I really appreciate the shares! It means a lot.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Thank you for writing this. It was good to pause and remember these values in the midst of all of the chaos.
Chaos is a good word for it. Somehow we need to come together and cure this divide, and neither fear nor help are going to help.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Beautiful, strong, true… a must read for all. Thank you, Meg. These words can’t be seen or heard enough.
Cora recently posted…The Fatigue of Open Time: The Time I Finished My To-Do List (Week In Review)
Thanks Cora. I really appreciate it.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
This is probably my favourite post you’ve ever written. The Fear Vs Love topic has always been close to my heart. I read once that the opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s fear and it stuck with me. Ever since then, it’s been underlined and highlighted in so many ways. I talked to Katie about this last night really late, actually because she’s got a lot of fear in her life right now that’s controlling her. Self awareness is the first step, and then it’s time to face the music.
Suzy recently posted…Blocked
Yes, I love this thought. The opposition of love is fear, which tends to lead to hate. Fear is a tough one though because we all have it to some degree. Learning how to manage our fears without letting them dictate our decisions is key. I’m rooting for you and Katie.
Also, I’m thrilled you loved this post. Every so often, I can be serious. Who knew?
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Yes, Yes, Yes!
Heather Shoberg recently posted…One small step…
Thank you. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
YES. LOVE and courage instead of fear. Love truly builds bridges when fear burns them down. Fear of others is always hurtful.
Emily recently posted…Favorite Recent Foodie Finds: February 2017
Well said.
Meghan recently posted…Now [Fear] This
Amen! You’re so spot on that there’s a ton of fear driving this country right now–and it’s leading us down some unfortunate paths. 🙁
Joyce @ The Hungry Caterpillar recently posted…Chai Pudding (Gluten-Free, Lactose-Free, Low-FODMAP)
Fear can lead to some dangerous paths and we seem to be headed that way. It makes me sad.
Love this Meg! <3
Chelsea A recently posted…2017 Cook My Books Challenge
Thanks Chelsea.
We’ve been traveling, so I waited to read this until I could fully focus. I’m glad I did. Very well said. Let’s start helping with the bridges.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Taking Action & Turkey Bacon [WIAW]
We need to build a bridge from Cleveland to San Diego so I can see you more.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: The Socialite Edition (#69)
I’d vote for that.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…A Winter Weekend in Lake Tahoe’s Northstar Village
This is my #vanillagorilla sister. SO much Love for you.
Luce@FitSwissChick recently posted…I’m not looking for trouble – trouble usually finds me; and why childishness can be a virtue.
Pounds Chest.
Love you too Luce.
Meghan recently posted…Week in Review: The Socialite Edition (#69)