The Top 5 Fears of Executives in Transition: What are you afraid of?

Getting laid off or forced out of a job is a tremendously stressful experience which naturally results in a range of insecurities and fears. To ensure an optimal transition, executives must identify their hidden fears and create strategies to overcome them.

During the past 15 yrs of my coaching and branding executives in transition – these are the top five fears:

1. Fear of losing face. Many executives have spent decades building their career, and take pride in the hard work that has gotten them to where they are today. Often, they find their identity is closely tied to their job title. They fear that losing their job means losing that identity and they worry that their esteem within their personal and professional communities will be diminished. They often lose the confidence that helped make them successful.

2. Fear of a career setback. Executives worry that losing their job means that their career progression will come to a stand-still, or worse, that they will have to take a few steps down the corporate ladder. They fear that they will lose status in their industry. They also fear that because they were “let go”, their market value will decrease.

3. Fear of losing the house. Many executives have dependents that count on them, and they worry about having to make changes to the lifestyle they’ve established. At the top of the list is the fear of losing the house – especially during a recession when their house might not be worth what it once was (or even what they paid for it).

4. Fear of running out of money. Even those with a big payout often fall into the trap of thinking “what if the money runs out.” This leads executives to make decisions based on their financial fears rather than purposeful life goals.

5. Fear of their own great depression. Looking for a new job takes consistent effort and motivation, but it can be difficult to handle the rejection – or the lack of responses to job search efforts. If their search is protracted, that fear increases.

The first thing that you should do as an out-of-work executive is realize that it is normal to have these types of fears. But you also need to realize that fear will block you from achieving your goal.

Now is the time to invest in yourself – and address the blocks to success that may prevent you from actualizing your highest potential in your next role.

I’ve developed a number of strategies that have proven to be highly effective for executives in transition. One key element is creating a personal brand that will differentiate you within the marketplace. Identifying your unique personal brand with talking point scenarios will give you the vehicle to position yourself for the type of work you desire at the level you deserve. Crystallizing your unique value proposition and developing strategies to market yourself effectively can transmute your fears and build greater confidence during this time of transition.

Stand out from the crowd and use your current situation as a great opportunity to transmute your fears and create a professional life experience that may be new, different, and even better!

To find out more about creating a powerful unique personal brand in words, online, and in print, email Deborah at dmadary@youruniquebrand.com