We love a TLA or even an FLA.
This particular Four Letter Acronym hit me in January 2024, and remained like a dormant virus until a few months ago, when it got me thinking.
We all know about “FOMO” – The Fear Of Missing Out.
Marketers exploit it mercilessly . . . 😉
But FOFU may have an even more significant effect on strategies for transformation and driving genuine business impact at speed.
FOFU, or “Fear of F***ing Up,” describes a common anxiety that gets in the way of decision-making and progress.
It leads to procrastination, avoidance, “kicking the can down the road” and, ultimately, missed opportunities.
But it is not as simple as just “fear of failure” but also fear of judgement or other consequence.
I have noticed its effect at all levels in businesses, from new entrants to C-Suite executives.
We might like “to believe we’re immune to the stuff” (Robert Palmer, “Addicted to Love” – ask your parents . . . 😉 )
But, truth be told, it affects us all.
A few weeks ago, we discussed the essential need for high “XQ” (thanks to Deborah Kops), “Execution Quotient” or “Bias for Action” as a basis for driving any meaningful progress and business outcome.
“FOFU”, the mortal enemy of “XQ”, is part of the organizational immune system that can eat away at our “XQ” until we are completely “cured” of a desire for action . . .
FOFU
- What is it?
- An anxiety associated with potential negative outcomes, particularly those stemming from perceived judgement of taking a wrong decision or action.
- Why does it matter?
- It matters because it can paralyze us from progress, preventing necessary decisions, actions, achieving goals, or seizing opportunities.
- What should we do to minimize it?
- We have to acknowledge it as a common personal experience, socialize its presence and impact, and confront it collectively at times where we know it will rear its ugly head.
Management gurus and consultants talk glibly about “Fail Fast” strategies, but at a personal level that does not always feel OK.
And “Fail Fast” is not right in every case. Ask a surgeon!
It is a nuanced issue!
Sometimes we need to be “Right First Time”. These situations are mostly in the category of “Known Knowns”.
We also need to get more comfortable with “Unknown Unknowns” and create psychological safety that makes it clear that is OK to test hypotheses and take action accordingly, without fear of judgement.
“Paralysis by Analysis” does not help, either in practical outcomes or for “state of mind”.
Is “FOFU” Slowing Us Down?
Whilst often regarded as illustrations of the “too busy” mentality, these two cartoons also subtly reflect “FOFU” . . . . the allure of “received wisdom” . . .
