“I decide to just not go there”

There’s a distinct feeling I’ve had in leadership meetings – a pounding in my chest – whether it’s a large in-person meeting, or staring at a dozen faces on a Zoom screen. It typically arises not as a response to what is being shared in the meeting, but from what I’m not saying.

Because, instead of taking the leap and bringing up that concern about our launch plan (and risk upsetting Jon, who has been working nights and weekends on this), or surfacing that unaddressed risk in our financial model (and rabbit-holing the discussion for 20 minutes), I decide to just not go there. Maybe the issue will resolve itself naturally.

It’s a feeling that I now can identify as fear – and looking around, I can’t help but wonder who else in the room might be feeling the same way.

The problem is, going there is exactly what makes these operating exercises valuable.

Source

I had that feeling twice this week. Both times, I didn’t go there. 😔

(Related: Fear rules the world)