Fiorina’s speech focuses on the basics of change and fear. The key lesson here is that innovation revolves around taking risks and is always associated with trying something new. According to Fiorina, to effect change, one must generate the strength to undermine the hold of the current system (Stanford University, 2008). As a result, change terrifies people because it indicates unpredictable outcomes. Our brains are designed to find comfort in information. When people do not know what will happen, they envisage possibilities, which causes anxiety. If something familiar ends, people find it difficult to go on (Mandriota, 2022). The fear of failing contributes to a fear of change. If people are unclear about how something will turn out since the outcomes may be wrong, they may decide not to do anything.
To differing degrees, change terrifies everyone globally; however, there are comfort zones. Neuroscience studies show that our brains interpret uncertainty as failing, an impact of fear. It seems to sense that many people would like to avoid change because the feelings that go along with it may be so unpleasant (Stanford University, 2008). Even if it is common to find differences disturbing, some people could be experiencing something a little more serious. Additionally, Metathesiophobia, another contributing element, constitutes impacts of fear of change that may be debilitating and difficult to control.
A few years before I started my MBA classes, I used to fear change. I opted to stay at my previous toxic company despite wanting to create a new career there. This aversion to change prevented me from starting a new career. I was wary about starting something new with distinctive methods, a separate vision, and a distinct objective. By embracing vulnerability and change, I overcame my fear of change. Being exposed, I was in a situation where I could face my worries. It made me understand that even though I might not be in control of a problem, I can still handle and get through it.
References
Mandriota, Morgan. (2022). “How to Cope with the Fear of the Unknown.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind. Web.
Stanford University. (2008). Carly Fiorina: The Dynamics of Change and Fear. [YouTube] Web.