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by Rodger Price

Twenty years ago my mother went through two days of waiting for test results that would tell us if she had terminal liver cancer. It was a tough two days.

When the doctor told us the results were the worse-case scenario, her first words were, “Well, at least now I know.” She almost seemed relieved. I remember thinking that maybe the “not-knowing” was harder on her than knowing the worst.

Is it possible that uncertainty is scarier that the worst-case scenario which is certain? I believe it might be.

Because of this belief, I’ve begun to ask my coaching clients to name their fears, believing that if they name it, they will tame it. While their worse-case is still a bad outcome, somehow naming it also right-sizes it.

When you listen to someone in crisis, you help them name— and then tame—their fears. So keep leaning in and listening! God bless.

About the author: Rodger Price is an executive coach and author. He owns and leads Leading by DESIGN, a company committed to helping West Michigan people become amazing leaders who drive for excellence while serving and caring for those in their charge.