Predict, shrink it until it's safe, accept either outcome, do it, then compare.
This is a small test of a prediction, not a treatment. If the fear is severe, or part of a diagnosed condition, do this with someone qualified.
▭What I avoid: Asking a clarifying question out loud in the weekly all-hands meeting, in front of the whole department and directors
What I predict will happen, and how sure I am (%)
The smallest safe version I will actually do, and when
- I accept either outcome: it goes fine, or it doesn't. Both tell me something.
At the return: what actually happened, against my prediction
Next time