"The Leadership Circle has released a new article by Dan Holden for corporate executives, leaders, and C-Suites highlighting the importance of leading without fear. Mr. Holden is President of Daniel Holden & Associates and an Advisor of The Leadership Circle. Read the full article at (http://www.theleadershipcircle.com/this-is-the-leadership-world-do-not-be-afraid) Related Keywords: c-suite leadership, leadership assessment, The Leadership Circle"

1. This Is the Leadership World (Do Not Be Afraid)
Written By: Dan Holden

2. Unfortunately, many executive leaders in today's world
operate from a stance of fear. It's important to understand fear
and then to Not Be Afraid in order to more effectively lead
an organization or team, and to become better aware of one's own
decision-making abilities and achieve a higher level of success.

3. Conditions in Organizations Favor Terrible Things
Leaders today face unprecedented daily demands on their energy and
resources.
The pace of change, escalating complexities and uncertainties, rapidly
changing consumer and workforce dynamics, and information overload all
make the two-fold business of continuously delivering high quality products
and services while continuously innovating in a volatile market an exceedingly
high standard to reach.
When we are under duress—and without much awareness—it is as if we put on
a pair of glasses that distort reality; actions that are terrible and threatening
look normal and necessary, behavior that is foolish and destructive looks
proactive and wise.

4. There are a number of things you can look at to
determine if you're operating from a stance of fear,
consider the following:
• Do you delegate tasks to the same people because you know that they
will deliver? The possibility of an error is unacceptable.
• Do you keep a handle on tasks you aren't necessarily responsible for,
coming in at the end to offer your brilliant critique? It is up to you alone,
after all, to ensure high quality outcomes.
• Do you over commit yourself and others? Because, you know no one
does it better than you and your team.

5. One way to avoid operating
from a stance of fear is to
“CULTIVATE PRESENCE"

6. Cultivate Presence
The more than ordinary life is what
the most effective leaders learn
presence and embody.
Find it by quieting yourself, little by
little each day, and tracking your
heart beat.
Essential presence is your original
anchor and brand—the consistent
and unmistakable impact you
leave. It is a calm interior place in the
midst of an endless storm. Find it on
the other side of your fear.

7. A second way to operate from a stance of
serenity, instead of fear, is to
“RELEASE THE GIFTEDNESS IN OTHERS"

8. Release the Giftedness in Others
The best leaders I have known have
an eye for talent. In fact, they are
always on the lookout for top talent,
those special players who combine
intellectual prowess with a skill set
and drive that speaks to the current
and future needs of the business.
It lies latent in many of those closest
to us, not far from our own
heartbeat. Seeing and releasing
talent requires that we apprehend
the invisible.

9. Release the Giftedness in Others
Some sample indicators that help
identify untapped greatness include:
they demonstrate prolonged periods
of frustration, agitation, or boredom;
They seldom fit in; They are quietly
attracted to personal mastery and to
those who are great masters
themselves; and they are easily
distracted by small things, as if
something within distracts them and
guides them towards something
more important.

10. A third way to move away from a operating
system of fear is to "DEEPEN AND EXPAND
YOUR CONVERSATION WITH THE WHOLE
SYSTEM, NOT JUST THE PART YOU
KNOW," which includes the following three
disciplines:
1. Get clear about purpose and vision. The critical difference
between mere activity/busyness and real achievement is
purposeful action.
2. Get clear about current reality.
3. Speak up, clearly. What we don't talk about controls us.

11. Although the majority of executive leaders operate from a
stance of fear, it doesn't mean that you need to.
Do Not Be Afraid.
Become an author of beautiful things
as yet unseen yet longed for; commit yourself
to find ways to acknowledge and then minimize
the terrible things we are all capable of.

12. Read more and comment by visiting
www.TheLeadershipCircle.com
And clicking on “Leadership Quarterly”
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Get there directly at
www.TheLeadershipCircle.com/this-is-the-leadership-world-
do-not-be-afraid