The Value of Fear

Before a big game, former Lakers Coach and current Miami Heat President Pat Riley had the equipment staff purchase a twelve foot long, 2 inch by 4 inch board and center the plank in the locker room.

As the players assembled, Riley asked his team if they thought he might be able to walk across the wooden board. They all laughed because of the ease to which anyone, young or old, could handle the assignment.

Riley rose, quickly demonstrating despite his age, he could easily walk across the plank. He then asked the players if they could match his athletic skills. Naturally with ease, they all were able to navigate the walk. Then Riley asked: “What would happen if the board was twenty feet off the ground?” Suddenly the room became quiet, as fear was now introduced into the challenge. Fear from the height, the possibility of a misstep or not performing at their best level.  

Riley’s point of the exercise was informing his players they needed to raise their level of play, minus being fearful. If they had the talent to walk across the plank on the ground, then with more focus, they could handle the height. When fear invades our mind, we become doubtful of our skill, question our ability to rise our level of play.    

Fear can be a powerful tool—good and bad. American writer and author, Joseph Campbell said, “The cave you fear to enter might hold the hidden treasure you’ve been seeking.” And we know being fearful can cause reason with the unreasonable. 

Actor Henry Fonda was still throwing up before each stage performance, even when he was seventy-five. In other words, fear doesn't go away, and what Riley was attempting to show his team, how to manage fear. 

With a simple 2X4, Riley, handled every aspect of facing our fears.

Visualization–his players could visualize his navigation of the plank.

Affirmations– he affirmed their talents to handle the task.   

Goal Setting–they understood the goal, walk without falling.

Mental Toughness–his willingness to demonstrate his skill allowed the players to know he was mentally tough to handle their assignment. 

Motivation–he used his ability to walk across to motivate them to do the same.

Confidence– after they made the easy walk, they had the much-needed confidence to face their fear of raising their level of play in a big game. 

Fear is a natural emotion, especially when the challenges become greater.

As leaders, we expect our teams to have trepidation when the stakes rise.

Reminding those we lead how to face our fears is the first step toward playing our best in the biggest game.

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