Are You Afraid To Speak Up?

I was coaching a Head of People at a growing startup recently who wanted to show up more fully as herself in her role.

She’s been in HR for over 20 years, and as a non-white, introverted female among mostly outgoing white male executives, she finds herself holding back even when she knows she has a lot to offer.

For example, in executive meetings she may choose not to speak up because the story she tells herself is that people won’t see value in her ideas.

It’s a tough place to come from, especially when already lacking a sense of belonging.

At the same time, she feels like this is her time to shine as a leader.

“So, which are you more committed to?” I asked.

“The fear and self-doubt, or the leader who shines?”

This question hit her like a ton of bricks and ignited something inside. It's like she had a choice!

Once we reframed her desire to show up more fully as a commitment, she immediately felt pulled into action. To do something about it. To take ownership. To acknowledge her fear and refuse to empower it.

If you can relate, try this…

1. Recognize where and when fear shows up
2. Ask yourself what you’re committed to more than the fear
3. Take the next required action to serve that commitment instead
4. Repeat

How do you handle those moments when fear shows up?