Eliminating

Fear
 Talking Fear

Fear is the perception (thought or

assumption) that an external threat to one’s
well being exists.
We mostly have the fear of losing:-
 Credibility  Current role
 Self esteem  The job itself
 Inclusion  Future opportunity
 Relationships  Control over one’s work and one’s
destiny
 Symptoms of Fear
Us versus Silence during Resistance to
Widespread
them” talk meetings, but new ideas Denial of
poor morale
widespread tensions
talk outside and
Lack of input conflicts
Reluctance to
or suggestions
admit
Statements indicative
mistakes
of mistrust of Grievances against
employees by upper co-workers or
Defensiveness management
Blame others
for a host of regarding
Over-
issues performance
management
Important issues
of simple
are rendered
decisions &
“undiscussable” Competitiveness people
among
Mistrust of Negative employees
upper attitudes
management regarding the Pattern of reprisals
organization or what look like
Over-emphasis on
“writing people Strained co- reprisals against
up” worker those who speak
/supervisory up
relationships
 Common negative actions
 Using the wrong tools /PPE to avoid being scolded by the
supervisor when you complain; if I talk now, the work go slow
down and oga go see me as the sabo for the team.
 Working under fatigued condition to please the supervisor; you
no fit talk say you don tire
 Taking shortcuts with known risk to avoid supervisor’s rant; I
no want make oga say na me no dey loyal ooo
 Failing to speak out when you observe an unsafe
condition/unsafe act; I keep quiet make e no be say na me talk
pass.
 Failing to correct your superior; Na him be oga na, how I want
tell am say that thing wey e dey do no good.
 How to solve the problem
As a Worker..
 Always speak out if you feel things are wrong; remember to do
this in a respectful manner
 Never work under sick or fatigued condition; take responsibility
of your safety.
 Feel free to report concern to higher supervisors if you feel you
are not heard.
 Seek out support
 NEVER Normalize the experience
 How to solve the problem…cont
As a Supervisor..
 Always LISTEN to you workers’ complains; play the father
role.
 Promote DIALOGUE ; Never use Master & Dog approach.
 Always ask for Feedback; Establish Rapport
 Never victimize people whole speak out; they care and want our
system to improve.
 Use praise and recognition rather that fear to motivate your
workface,
 Always seize coaching opportunities to help the workers
 Conclusively..

Take time to think about people who depend

on us and the consequence of getting hurt..
we will see the reason for not working in fear
but speaking out when things are wrong to
ensure we are safe.

How to Overcome Fear at Work.mp4

…helping to build a better Nigeria