Fears at Work -- Boettcher Coaching

Many people struggle with various and diffuse fears in their professional lives. Workplace fears can create insurmountable hurdles for those affected and make daily work extremely difficult. Often the true fear remains hidden behind emotional dissatisfaction and is not recognizable as fear. When your job no longer brings you joy and you have to drag yourself to work every day, this is often a clear psychological signal that a fear lies behind the perceived dissatisfaction. A cause for workplace fears may be hidden in one's psyche or biography: childhood experiences of bullying or exclusion, overly anxious or dismissive parents often lay the foundation for a deep sense of worry that manifests later in the workplace.

Even smaller fears at work that represent an obstacle can develop into truly significant fears. As with all cases of fear, when it comes to workplace fears, actively confronting them helps, because suppressing or dismissing the fear as a quirk is counterproductive and only worsens the existing fear over time. An insecure handling of fear promotes fear, while confidence removes its breeding ground -- this psychological approach to anxiety therapy applies to all fears.

Fears at Work -- An Overview and Options for Action

Fear of Presentations, Speeches and Meetings

The fear of giving presentations and speaking up in meetings in front of groups is not uncommon. However, it is possible to overcome this fear with simple means: A confident appearance is facilitated by a solid knowledge base -- preparation is key and provides security. Thorough preparation of the content to be presented provides the foundation. Slides, graphics and texts should be well-substantiated. The presentation flow should be rehearsed. Special attention should be paid to the beginning and end. A dress rehearsal with a small audience (family, friends) also helps. During the presentation, always speak to a friendly pair of eyes among the audience, not to the entire group. And should small uncertainties arise during the presentation, that is not a problem at all -- it even comes across as likeable. However, greater uncertainties or circumstances that prevent a presentation from succeeding or feeling reasonably comfortable should be addressed with a coach -- not least because, left untreated, they usually get worse rather than better on their own.

Procrastination -- Putting Off Work

Behind the regular postponement of work into the future lies avoidance, which in extreme forms can bring enormous suffering. Extreme procrastination can become pathological and always creates internal pressure; moreover, it often leads to time pressure at the end, which in turn is perceived as unpleasant. What can help here is "making an appointment with yourself": set any starting point for a specific task and work on it for at least 20 minutes -- you can spare 20 minutes -- and almost always this becomes the starting signal for more! If the problem is more complex, you probably need professional help.

Fear of Losing Your Job

Times are different from before: long-term employment contracts are rather the exception, and economic crises are commonplace. The fear of losing your job is not irrational. Work often serves not only to cover living expenses -- for many people, it is also a path to self-fulfillment. Despite everything, the first step is to accept the fear of job loss as a "normal phenomenon" -- as long as it is not disproportionately large. Simply accepting that a possible job loss is a quite realistic possibility in today's world takes a certain burden off your shoulders. In cases of severe fear, it helps to objectively assess: how realistic is the job loss actually? If it is rather unlikely -- and the fear therefore rather diffuse -- then it helps to better distinguish facts from fantasies and to become clear about what is real and what is not. However, if a job loss is rather likely, brooding does not help -- you should take action: face the facts, explore contingencies, forge a Plan B and perhaps also a Plan C, gather information, create confidence...

Fear of Your Boss / Superiors

Many superiors are stressed, short-tempered and unfriendly. This behavior can trigger fears in subordinate employees. But the fear of superiors is quite irrational. Most superiors are well-trained and aware of the economic advantages of harmonious relationships in professional life. You should not be intimidated by your superiors' moods and should not take them personally. A conversation with your superior in which you clearly articulate what you want can often work wonders, as most superiors are open to their employees' feedback. However, if the relationship is more complicated, there may be a poor work climate or even bullying -- then it can be useful to seek help for a planned approach and professional handling of difficult personalities, constellations or situations.

Fear of Not Being Able to Keep Up With Work

Today's working world is characterized by high work intensity. Many tasks must be completed in a short time. In addition, various communication channels such as emails, telephone, mobile phone and messaging services open up permanent gateways for work requests. All of this creates pressure. The only thing that helps here is a clearly structured work day that, for example, provides fixed times for answering emails etc. Letting yourself be rushed does not help much -- many mistakes happen in haste. You should take the time needed for careful completion of all tasks. Mini breaks should also always be planned, for example after completing a certain work section: have a cup of tea and take the time to reflect on your own work: What still needs to be done? What have I already completed? What am I pleased about having accomplished? What is new? Maintaining control through good organization prevents work overload. However, if it is still too much, more differentiated and individualized solutions need to be developed.

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