6 Practical Steps to Manage Fear, Stress, and Anxiety at Work

The Mammoth in the Room

Did you know that nearly 31% of U.S. adults will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime? That’s a significant portion of any workforce. Hence, as leaders, we must understand how fear and anxiety shape our teams and directly impact innovation, productivity, and trust.

In this episode, I explain the key differences between stress, fear, and anxiety—terms we often use interchangeably but that have very distinct roles. You’ll learn about the real-world consequences of unmanaged fear in the workplace. I’ll also share insights from the Great Resignation, where chronic stress pushed quit rates to a 20-year high.

Additionally, I introduce my “six plus one” framework, which includes practical strategies like creating a safe environment, embracing vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and fostering open communication. These steps can transform how your team works together and how you lead.

If you’re ready to manage emotions more effectively and build a stronger, more resilient team, this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s explore what it takes to lead with empathy and purpose.

In this episode:

- The rise of workplace anxiety

- Differentiating stress, fear, and anxiety

- Power dynamics in leadership

- Understanding the evolutionary roots of fear

- Risks of fear in the workplace

- 6 practical steps to manage workplace fear

- The bonus step: Authenticity

Grab your copy of Nicolas' book, The Mammoth in the Room, here: https://mammothleadershipsciences.com/book/

Get in Touch:

Website: https://www.mammothleadershipsciences.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaspokorny

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MammothLeadershipSciences

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

French, J., & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/215915730_The_bases_of_social_power

Goodwin RD, Weinberger AH, Kim JH, Wu M, Galea S. Trends in anxiety among adults in the United States, 2008-2018: Rapid increases among young adults. J Psychiatry Res. 2020 Nov; 130: 411-446. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.014. Epub 2020 Aug 21. PMID: 32905958; PMCID: PMC7441973 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32905958/

American Psychological Association (2017). Stress in America: The State of Our Nation. Stress in America TM Survey - https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state-nation.pdf

Mayer, T. (2021). Battling Healthcare Burnout: Learning to Love the Job You Have, While Creating the Job You Love. Berrett-Koehler Publishers - https://a.co/d/7TxWRqt

Leiter, M. P., & Schaufeli, W. B. (1996). Consistency of the burnout construct across occupations. Anxiety, stress, and coping, 9(3), 229-243 - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261693197_Consistency_of_the_burnout_costruct_across_occupations

World Health Organization (WHO): Stress Q and A - https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress#

American Psychological Association: Anxiety - https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety

National Institute of Mental Health: Any Anxiety Disorder - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder

Staglin, G. (2023). Stress Management For Leaders, Improved Mental Health For The Workplace - https://www.forbes.com/sites/onemind/2023/04/25/stress-management-for-leaders-improved-mental-health-for-the-workplace/