Naming Fear: Why Honesty Is a Leadership Strength
Naming fear is not weakness. It is leadership.
Naming Fear: Why Honesty Is a Leadership Strength
By Julia LeFevre
In my recent conversation with Carl Bowden on Wired to Lead, he shared a moment that changed the trajectory of his career.
Carl admitted that what was holding him back from a life-giving role was not lack of skill or opportunity. It was fear. And the turning point came when he told the truth. He said to his coach, “I think I’m scared.” She did not shame him, dismiss him, or judge him. Instead, the simple act of naming fear in a safe relationship gave him the courage to take the next right step.
Carl’s honesty highlights a powerful truth. What most of us long for in leaders is the very thing we often avoid ourselves. Research has shown that honesty is consistently ranked as the number one leadership quality. Yet many leaders hesitate to admit when they feel uncertain, afraid, or stuck because they worry that honesty might be seen as weakness.
Neuroscience tells a different story. When fear is hidden, the brain shifts into protection mode. Creativity narrows and problem solving is limited. When fear is acknowledged, especially in the presence of trusted people, the brain has space to open again. Honesty shifts the brain from survival into growth.
That is why naming fear is not weakness. It is leadership. It creates room for courage, connection, and clarity.
A Next Step for Leaders
Take five minutes this week to reflect:
Where might fear be showing up in my leadership right now
Who is a safe, trusted person I could share this with honestly
What is one small step I could take once I name the fear out loud
The next right step does not have to be dramatic. It simply begins with honesty. And that honesty may be the very thing that unlocks your next season of growth.
If you want to hear more of Carl’s story and our conversation on how leaders move from fear to clarity, listen to the full episode of Wired to Lead. And if you are ready to take this step in your own leadership, I would love to connect and explore how I can help.
