Fear in a new role

No matter how capable you are, when you’re new in a role there is a time lag before you find your feet. This is particularly true for those moving into senior executive roles in new organisations. You have impact in these roles when you know who’s who in the zoo and can influence effectively. It simply takes time for this knowledge to kick in.

This can feel particularly disorienting when you’ve moved from a role where you were performing with relative ease.

A normal human response to this is fear:

  • Fear you’ve made a terrible mistake making the move

  • Fear you’re out of your depth

  • Fear of looking foolish

  • Fear of making decisions now, before you have a grip on things, that turn out to be wrong

  • Fear of failing

That fear isn’t stupid, or an example of a “limiting belief”. It’s rational. Fear is our body and brain’s warning to us of risk, and the risk is certainly higher while you are still learning the ropes. It pays to be alert.

However, if the warning alarm is blaring so loudly that you can’t think straight, speak up or make decisions, that fear will be the very thing that undermines your chances of success.

Remember – you’ve landed the role for a reason. If you’ve been at it for years, chances are you know what you’re doing.

The passage of time itself will build your resources and lower the level of challenge so you can get out of strain and into flow.

It works much like this:

As time passes, you will feel less uncertainty, and be more comfortable backing yourself. Keep going!

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others

Madeleine

PS. Want to work with me as you transition into a new role? Let me know. Send me a message to enquire, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

1. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.

2. Feeling unfulfilled, overworked or unclear about what next? Work with me to identify what is holding you back and make a plan for more powerfully and enjoyably pursuing goals that matter to you. Contact me to find out more.

3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.

4. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.

5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.

Click below to share this on your socials.

Madeleine Shawfear, change, limiting belief, transition