Two enemies of leadership can be overcome with virtue

The power of fear and hubris are significant independently, but when combined they create disastrous consequences. These invisible enemies should never be underestimated. They can be recognized by their fruits or deeds.

Even typically reasonable people can have a complete breakdown in the face of fear. They can become highly emotional, unreasonable, and angry when presented with facts and logic, refusing to reevaluate policies or decisions made with incomplete information.

Fear inclines us to act or not act in regard to something felt or imagined to be negative, bad, or painful. Experiencing fear is normal, but acting on fear is detrimental. When acted upon, it becomes a powerful distraction from rational thinking; left unchecked, it overrides logic. 

Hubris manifests as excessive pride or dangerous overconfidence. Hubris results in people protecting their status or, in some cases, “bad” decisions or policies. 

High-achievement leaders instinctively recognize fear and hubris in themselves and in others, and they fight these enemies at every turn. Hubris presents through posturing at all costs, not expressing appreciation or gratitude, speaking or acting in a manner only to make oneself look good, refusing to admit mistakes, or blaming others or circumstances. Fear is evidenced by an inability to listen, or a display of emotional verbal or physical reactions such as rolling of eyes or slamming fists. Fear takes the form of personal attacks toward people with different views, and an obsession with “what if…” discussions with a negative slant. It is often accompanied by a disproportionate level of anger even to reasonable questions. 

The opposite of fear and hubris are temperance and humility. Temperance, a virtue not mentioned frequently in business, is self-control, the will’s mastery over instincts. If I am a temperate person, I use my will to calm and overcome my fear. Humility is a virtue in which I acknowledge that God is the author of all good and that I do not know all things. It is the recognition that I am imperfect and fallible. 

So how can a leader fight fear and hubris, these two enemies of leadership?

Recognize fear and hubris, and call them out. Don’t pretend that these invisible enemies don’t exist. Bringing fear and hubris into the light helps to loosen their grip.

Tap into the logical thought problem analysis. Document the problem, write the facts. Analyze the problem from the perspective of brilliant people such as Albert Einstein or Margaret Thatcher. How would they approach a solution? Write down their perspective. Now you can thoughtfully and logically approach the problem with neither fear nor hubris.

Intentionally change your behaviors. The power of hubris is diminished when we engage in acts of humility, such as acknowledging the accomplishments of others, admitting we made a mistake without a long explanation, or apologizing when we recognize our words or actions were unkind or inappropriate. As leader, admitting we are wrong can feel uncomfortable, but demonstrating humility is a strength and never a weakness. 

Humble leaders recognize it is their own fault when they act poorly. They own their reactions and take responsibility. They show deference to others. These small changes in behavior will help temper hubris. 

Fear is a sly enemy but can be combatted with faith in God and faith that things will ultimately work out well, even when challenging. Fear often focuses on what we don’t have rather than on being grateful for all we do have. 

The struggle to cultivate temperance and humility as a leader can be a narrow path, because as you begin to conquer fear and hubris you separate yourself from the majority of people in business and in the world.