University of St. Thomas, Minnesota UST Research Online Education Doctoral Dissertations in Organization School of Education Development 2013 Know Fear: How Leaders Respond and Relate to Their eF ars Tonya Jackman Hampton University of St. Thomas, Minnesota Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.stthomas.edu/caps_ed_orgdev_docdiss Part of the Education Commons, and the Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons Recommended Citation Hampton, Tonya Jackman, "Know Fear: How Leaders Respond and Relate to Their eF ars" (2013). Education Doctoral Dissertations in Organization Development. 21. https://ir.stthomas.edu/caps_ed_orgdev_docdiss/21 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the School of Education at UST Research Online. It has been accepted for inclusion in Education Doctoral Dissertations in Organization Development by an authorized administrator of UST Research Online. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Know Fear: How Leaders Respond and Relate to Their Fears A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS By Tonya Jackman Hampton IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF EDUCATION March 2013 i UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS We certify that we have read this dissertation and approved it as adequate in scope and quality. We have found that it is complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the final examining committee have been made. Dissertation Committee John Conbere, EdD, Committee Chair Alla Heorhiadi, PhD, EdD, Committee Member Linda Halverson, EdD, Committee Member Date . ii Copyright © 2013 Tonya Jackman Hampton ALL RIGHTS RESERVED iii Abstract Using the grounded theory methodology, this study explored the topic of leaders’ fears by asking participants questions about their experiences with their fears. Twenty-four director level and above leaders working in industries such as retail, medical device, consulting firms, industrial, real estate, and academia, participated in this study to contribute to the unveiling of their fears, fear responses, and the relationship leaders have with their fears. The research revealed a set of universal fears shared by the participating leaders and demonstrates that leaders have fears, just like other humans possess. Twenty fears covering four different categories were found and included: integrity (fear of inadequateness, underachievement, and vulnerability), credibility (minimal organizational support, rejections, presenting, losing status, and misperception), uncertainty (fear of unknowns, unfamiliarity, inexperience, and lacking information), and results (fear of failure, wrongs, bad outcomes, and minimal success). Participant responses showed patterns of fear acting as stimulus-generating strategies moving the leader to an outcome. Findings revealed that the more leaders know their fear, the more they tend to exercise positive response strategies and consequently improve their performance outcomes, self-confidence, and leadership abilities. Equally, knowing their own fears improved their relationship with their fears and the leaders were then able to modify and refine future responses. The research also demonstrates the value of knowing fear. Discussing their fear-related emotions, reliable strategies, and their relationship with their fears resulted in (a) improving leadership development, and (b) being a leader while they were vulnerable; two aspiring goals stemming from this research. iv Dedication This dissertation serves as a libation and it is dedicated to my family members who arrived on this earth before me and have since past. To all of my ancestors who experienced life circumstances far more worth fearing and who continued to give life to many generations forward regardless of their fears. To my family members who passed during my lifetime and who directly influenced me. To my paternal grandmother, Launa Newman, who extended to me her eternal relentless love and for contributing to my education. To my all-time favorite partner and life-coach, my husband Phillip, who continues to love me unconditionally without resentment by extending his patience, fulfilling my dreams, and giving me encouragement as well as the time required to complete this dissertation. You are my superman, lover, friend, and a herculean father to my children. To my daughter, India, who grew from an adolescent to a beautiful woman during the course of my studies and inspired my graduation. You are vivacious and strong. Your strength pushed me to move ahead with my work. To my son, Phalen, who seemed unaffected during my studies, always returning to me for a goodnight kiss and hug. You are a humble, loyal, and very kind and handsome young man. Your generosity liberated me to gain ground on my work. To my loving parents, Wallace and Lynda Jackman, who I will be forever grateful for and proudly adore. To my treasured siblings, in-laws, and close friends (you know who you are), who all provided me praise and unrequested boosts. I am honored, blessed, and I love you all. v Acknowledgements An undertaking such as this dissertation includes separation from empathetic and assisting family members and friends. It also requires a dedicated dissertation committee. I am fortunate to be surrounded by such individuals. The covenant of my immediate family at home, Phillip, India, and Phalen, you all provided me the necessary enduring care and love throughout my studies and the many associated challenges. I also thank my siblings, family and friends who walked onward pulling me through or reaching for me on the other end with open arms. I also want to acknowledge and thank my many mentors – Dr. Yvonne Cheek, Michelle A. Miller, J.D., Dr. Thomas Gordon, W. Williams Wells, Jr., MBA, and William Woodson, MBA. Without their help, advice, and coaching, I would have never completed this work. One can certainly not forget the significant leaders who throughout my career “felt fear – and did it anyway” and are the epitome of leadership; Rick Carreon, Lisa Dercks, Melanie Douglas, and Cynthia Newsom. Thank you for the extended everlasting advocacy and support you have provided me since our initial encounter. In addition, thank you to my dissertation committee for their review and commitment; my doctoral advisor, John Conbere, who gave me constant encouragement to trust the process, reminded me to acknowledge my expertise, and believed in me as a researcher. Thank you also to my committee members, Alla Heorhiadi and Linda Halverson, who aided me and were wonderful contextual mentors by providing efficacious and constructive feedback. vi Last but certainly not least, I want to thank my parents who have stood as my champions since birth and encouraged my every dream. They continue to ask, “What’s that thing you are working on – the “PhD, JD, what is it…?” And, accepted my response of saying, “It is an EdD – you know it doesn’t really matter, they all have the same outcome – Doctor!” Singlehandedly, Dad always responded with excitement and said, “Jackman will be included right or I can call you Dr. Jackman Hampton, right!” My mother is my rock and inner soul while my dad is my biggest fan and in denial about believing I think he is the source of my strength. Finally, I also wish to thank those who supported and contributed to this research project, 24 leaders who gave me their time and participated and entered this research process enthusiastically, defenselessly, and honestly. The completion of my dissertation has taken me through a transformative and rewarding journey. Thank you to everyone who has stood on the sideline or marched with me throughout this exciting pursuit. vii Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................... Page Chapter One ............................................................................................................ 1 Researcher’s Background ................................................................................. 6 Researcher’s Research Aspirations ................................................................... 9 Problem Statement .......................................................................................... 10 Purpose and Research Question ...................................................................... 13 Significance ..................................................................................................... 14 Definition of Common Terms ......................................................................... 15 Emotion ..................................................................................................... 15 Fear ........................................................................................................... 15 Know fear .................................................................................................. 16 Relationship .............................................................................................. 16 Relationship with fear ............................................................................... 16 Response ................................................................................................... 16 Leader ....................................................................................................... 16 Leadership ................................................................................................. 17 Leader development