Over the years, my work has shined a light on the fact that we unconsciously focus on what we fear. I’ve always said, you get more of what you focus on. It’s kind of like when you buy a red car. What do you begin to notice? Red cars, right? You notice red cars because, at an unconscious level, that's where your focus is.

In the past, company leaders said, "Yes, you're right, we do focus on what we fear, and it's problematic." Little did we know the dynamic and disruptive nature of change that was before us. Most of us couldn't have imagined how challenging—and even devastating—these times would be for so many. But, in recent months, something has changed in our conversations with company leaders.

We've found that executives are now saying, "The unconscious focus on fear is more than problematic. It's paralyzing us at the very moment when we need to move into the market definitively and aggressively with our top priorities. People are fearful, cautious unlike any other time. And we don't know what to do."

I've spent last 20 years working with teams and leaders who are experiencing what I call “dynamic change”. Through this experience, I've learned that fear-based thinking is amped up during times of uncertainty.

So here we are: the workplace has been stirred up, and there is a collective and unconscious focus that is getting in the way of forward movement and innovation. We're in first gear with our foot on the break. But we need to be in fourth gear, moving full speed ahead.

Shifting Focus

Let's think about creating real awareness around the unconscious focus. We can't do anything about something we're unaware of, so start talking about the conscious and unconscious focal points in your organization. Never be afraid to speak up. Unfortunately, many leaders believe that if they talk about issues, they will make things worse. We've found the exact opposite to be true, though. Conversation is the first step toward turning that unconscious focus to an intentional focus. And we all know that intentional focus plants the seed for positive outcomes and innovation.

The red car imagery and stories really help create the awareness and necessary reminders moving forward. But real change takes a lot more effort. Of course, you know that's true, so here's a question so important that it must be at-the-ready in all situations from small to large: What do you want?

You'll note that I said small to large. I'm sure we universally agree on the importance and power of vision, right? Indeed, vision is critical. The challenge is that any given vision is off in the distance—so far away that we miss countless small situations and moments that, when added up, would create the momentum we so desperately need. As it turns out, we have the best intentions, but those best intentions do not result in making the right decision.

Chocolate or Fruit?

Shlomo Benartizi shares an example of this in his TED talk, "Saving for Tomorrow." He asks us to imagine that we are going to gather next week and, in preparation for the gathering, he needs to get a sense of what to order. Would we prefer chocolate or fruit? What do you think most people say? They respond fruit. However, when it comes to the moment of truth (when we are faced with the real option) what do we in fact eat? You guessed it, we eat chocolate. We have the best intentions, but we manage our moments in ways that are inconsistent with our intentions and inconsistent with our vision. Couple that with the fact that we unconsciously focus on what we hope to avoid.

To be sure, it's a troublesome combination, and creating awareness is a good place to start. Asking people what they want moves them from unconscious to conscious; passive to active. That is where you must begin. Consider the question: "What outcome do you want in the next meeting, conversation, or email?" Seek as much detail as you possibly can. Vague ideas or generalities won't help; vivid detail is key and with it comes intentional action to create the outcomes people want in the moment. Next, connect those moments with the vision and you're in much better shape! Wouldn't you agree?

Now is the time to develop an intentional focus on positive outcomes and innovation. As a leader, this is your job—and you know how important it truly is.

Want to learn more? Join me August 3 for the webcast: Creating a Mindset for Change.