Leaders often view public fear responses incorrectly, either withholding information or making overassuring statements. However, research shows people typically respond to fear with acceptance, not panic. While outrage and overreaction can occur, they are less common than acceptance. True panic is very rare. During the 2001 anthrax scare, 98% of people responded normally by opening their mail as usual, while only 1% took extreme measures like buying gas masks. Effective crisis leaders act transparently by sharing information and power, and acknowledging uncertainty, in order to build trust and a sense of shared responsibility.