According to some studies, public speaking is the number one fear of most people. Curiously, speaking in front of others frequently ranks higher than the fear of one’s own death, which often reaches only second on such Most Feared lists!
Also interesting is the number one fear of most senior executives, the fear they will be found out. It is the fear that eventually others will figure out you don’t really know what you are doing and the gig will be up. “John/Joan, we all just realized you are flying by the seat of your pants in running this organization. It is time to pack up your corner office.” It is the thought that if others really knew how little you know, they would fire you, and do so immediately.
Have you ever had this thought? If so, welcome to leadership.
Susanne Biro's weblog 