This article was authored by Stand Out Online Member Romie Montpeirous, Leadership From The Heart
As a leadership coach, I’ve seen countless leaders struggle with the same challenge: trying to drive results through control and intimidation rather than trust and empowerment.
Today, I want to share why this approach fails and how to transform your leadership style for better outcomes.
The Warning Signs of Fear-Based Leadership
Let’s be honest – you might be leading with fear without even realizing it. Here are the telltale signs:
- Your team only tells you what you want to hear
- People avoid eye contact in meetings
- Everyone does the bare minimum
- Team members walk on eggshells around you
- Innovation and creativity have stalled
If any of these resonate, it’s time for a leadership reset.
The Real Cost of Fear
Fear-based leadership might get short-term compliance, but it comes at a devastating cost.
When your team operates from fear:
- Innovation dies because people are afraid to take risks
- Morale plummets as stress levels rise
- Communication breaks down
- Results suffer because no one goes above and beyond
- Your best talent starts looking elsewhere
The Trust-Based Alternative
The good news? There’s a better way.
I’ve helped numerous leaders transform their approach by embracing these principles:
- Own Your Impact
First, acknowledge that you set the tone. Your behavior shapes the entire team environment. If people are afraid to speak up, that’s on you – but you also have the power to change it.
- Replace Intimidation with Respect
Start showing genuine respect for your team’s input. Ask open-ended questions and actually listen to the answers. When people take initiative, offer genuine praise instead of waiting for them to fail.
- Balance Care with Accountability
Here’s a truth many leaders miss: putting people first and hitting your numbers aren’t mutually exclusive – they actually fuel each other. When you genuinely care about your team, they’ll go all in for results.
Making the Transition
Ready to transform your leadership style? Here’s your action plan:
- Start with Feedback
Run a quick feedback session with your team. Ask what’s not working and absorb what they’re saying without getting defensive. - Overcommunicate Goals
Make sure everyone understands not just what you want, but why it matters. Connect individual roles to the bigger picture. - Create Safe Spaces
Establish regular check-ins where people can share concerns without fear of repercussion. - Show You Care
Demonstrate genuine interest in your team’s growth and well-being. Support their development while maintaining high standards.
The Results You Can Expect
When you make this shift, the impact is profound:
- Engagement soars as people feel safe to contribute
- Creativity and innovation flourish
- Communication becomes open and honest
- Results improve because people want to excel, not just avoid punishment
- Your team delivers results alongside you, not just for you
- The Bottom Line
Leadership isn’t about choosing between caring for people and achieving results.
The most effective leaders know that trust and empowerment spark both creativity and commitment.
When you replace fear with genuine respect, you create an environment where both people and performance can thrive.
Remember: Your team wants to succeed. Give them the trust and support they need, and they’ll exceed your expectations every time.
Romie Montpeirous is a leadership coach, operational strategist, and culture builder with a passion for transforming leaders and organizations. With over 20 years of experience in operations and leadership, she specializes in effective communication, emotional intelligence, and building high-performing teams.