Time of fearlessness: four types of fear that are important to identify and overcome
Chris Putnam-Walkerley, an international expert consultant in the field of philanthropy, author of the bestseller " Delusional Altruism", a participant in the ranking of top 25 speakers in the United States on charity, wrote in Forbes . com column on how to continue to help productively in a time when many are scared. We publish a translation of this material.
Now all people in different parts of the world are scared. Fear is our natural reaction to danger, it is part of the instinct of self-preservation.
But what to do when fear becomes stronger than us, deprives us of energy, ideas and vision?
There are enough problems in the charitable sphere now to lose money, time and other valuable resources due to the fear that has covered us all. Fear prevents us from learning and growing. And most importantly, it prevents us from continuing to effectively help those in dire need.
It is more important now than ever for those who practice philanthropy to be able to distinguish between natural, instinctive fear and fear of the unhealthy. And realizing the difference, keep working.
Here are four types of fear that are important to identify and overcome:
Fear of uncertainty
The current unforeseen situation, of course, frightens many charitable leaders. And they prefer to wait and temporarily go to the bottom, because they believe that in a pandemic, everything is too unpredictable.
For example, one major donor I know has postponed any major decisions until the six-month board meeting, instead of continuing to provide assistance with clear priorities.
Fear of failure
Many in our field, both experienced and novice, have recently wondered: "Suddenly, my initiative and my donations will not achieve the goal or will not lead to the desired result?" Or: "What if we do not have enough skills to effectively implement a charity project in the current difficult environment?"
The fear of failure is especially palpable in unstable and unforeseen times. And donors are often exposed to it and stop working: it is better not to make any donations and save money. But at the same time, some spend a lot of money and a lot of time on completely unnecessary things. For example - for long and unproductive searches for additional information - just to insure. Others prefer to just watch, not act.
Fear of not helping those who really need it
It’s very difficult to focus on someone alone when you need so much help. Nonprofits - especially those funded by local donors and supported by grants to other local NGOs - often seek to help everyone to the fullest. As a result, the focus is dispelled and the original intentions are not realized. Private philanthropists may also fear that if they publicly announce the launch of a new charity project or foundation, they will immediately be covered by a wave of requests from the needy. Therefore, many prefer to temporarily go into the shadows or make donations anonymously, without partnering with anyone - and thus, perhaps, losing the reach and effectiveness of care in the long run.
Fear of losing money (and power)
Many of us now do not feel solid ground. But money is power. And it is a little easier for large private donors in this sense - first of all, because of their financial capabilities. They have another resource: freedom of choice - who to help, what projects to support and what results to expect.
Not surprisingly, many philanthropists are afraid of losing control. Their decisions and actions also begin to be governed primarily by fear. Some donors, for example, stop providing operational support if they cannot fully control how NGOs will use their grant. But if you let go of control and trust more, the results can be impressive.
Why do I even talk so much about fear?
Because today he sits in all of us. Because fear paralyzes us and deprives us of creativity. Instead of being afraid and acting, it is important to gather all the focus and energy in your fist right now. It is possible that some philanthropists will have to reconsider their mission and ask themselves again why they are doing this at all. Now is the time for productive brainstorming to decide on priorities and ways to implement them.
The world needs fearless leaders, not frightened philanthropists.
Now all people in different parts of the world are scared. Fear is our natural reaction to danger, it is part of the instinct of self-preservation.
But what to do when fear becomes stronger than us, deprives us of energy, ideas and vision?
There are enough problems in the charitable sphere now to lose money, time and other valuable resources due to the fear that has covered us all. Fear prevents us from learning and growing. And most importantly, it prevents us from continuing to effectively help those in dire need.
It is more important now than ever for those who practice philanthropy to be able to distinguish between natural, instinctive fear and fear of the unhealthy. And realizing the difference, keep working.
Here are four types of fear that are important to identify and overcome:
Fear of uncertainty
The current unforeseen situation, of course, frightens many charitable leaders. And they prefer to wait and temporarily go to the bottom, because they believe that in a pandemic, everything is too unpredictable.
For example, one major donor I know has postponed any major decisions until the six-month board meeting, instead of continuing to provide assistance with clear priorities.
Fear of failure
Many in our field, both experienced and novice, have recently wondered: "Suddenly, my initiative and my donations will not achieve the goal or will not lead to the desired result?" Or: "What if we do not have enough skills to effectively implement a charity project in the current difficult environment?"
The fear of failure is especially palpable in unstable and unforeseen times. And donors are often exposed to it and stop working: it is better not to make any donations and save money. But at the same time, some spend a lot of money and a lot of time on completely unnecessary things. For example - for long and unproductive searches for additional information - just to insure. Others prefer to just watch, not act. Fear of not helping those who really need it
It’s very difficult to focus on someone alone when you need so much help. Nonprofits - especially those funded by local donors and supported by grants to other local NGOs - often seek to help everyone to the fullest. As a result, the focus is dispelled and the original intentions are not realized. Private philanthropists may also fear that if they publicly announce the launch of a new charity project or foundation, they will immediately be covered by a wave of requests from the needy. Therefore, many prefer to temporarily go into the shadows or make donations anonymously, without partnering with anyone - and thus, perhaps, losing the reach and effectiveness of care in the long run.
Fear of losing money (and power)
Many of us now do not feel solid ground. But money is power. And it is a little easier for large private donors in this sense - first of all, because of their financial capabilities. They have another resource: freedom of choice - who to help, what projects to support and what results to expect.
Not surprisingly, many philanthropists are afraid of losing control. Their decisions and actions also begin to be governed primarily by fear. Some donors, for example, stop providing operational support if they cannot fully control how NGOs will use their grant. But if you let go of control and trust more, the results can be impressive.
Why do I even talk so much about fear?
Because today he sits in all of us. Because fear paralyzes us and deprives us of creativity. Instead of being afraid and acting, it is important to gather all the focus and energy in your fist right now. It is possible that some philanthropists will have to reconsider their mission and ask themselves again why they are doing this at all. Now is the time for productive brainstorming to decide on priorities and ways to implement them.
The world needs fearless leaders, not frightened philanthropists.