Associated Press
Sleepless nights, racing hearts and the sweats don’t have to overwhelm you.
Anxiety is a powerful catalyst for change and corporate revitalization, as long as it’s well-managed, said Bob Rosen, author of "Just Enough Anxiety: The Hidden Driver of Business Success."
"When you have too little anxiety in your life or your organization, then that’s the face of complacency," Rosen said. "There’s a lack of urgency. Mediocrity."
A too-anxious leader, on the other hand, fills his workforce with fear. He is impatient and argumentative, and attached to control, Rosen said. He cited Joseph Nacchio, former Chief Executive of Qwest Communications International Inc., who was convicted for insider trading, as someone who created undue stress around him.
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A leader who inspires through anxiety, on the other hand, sets bold targets to push employees to change, communicates honestly and is comfortable with ongoing conflict and turbulence.
"Business is all about change," said Rosen. "If you’re changing, you’re dealing with anxiety. And a leader has one job: To lead people through change."
