Jathan Janove, Chief Learning Officer
Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching
At the first MGSCC Coach Dojo, we had animated practice sessions on the No-FEAR technique. In the Zoom room, the energy crackled.
What is the No–FEAR technique? It’s simple, but simple doesn’t mean easy, as Dojo participants learned.
When you need to confront someone about an issue or problem, use the No-FEAR approach. F stands for “frame.” E stands for “explore.” A stands for “acknowledge.” And R stands for “response.”
Here’s how it works: before you engage in the conversation, think through what your frame will be – a succinct, matter-of-fact, non-emotional, nonjudgmental statement of what the issue or problem is. Next, you explore their view. Begin with an open-ended question that doesn’t imply a position. Example: “What are your thoughts?”
Before you respond to what the other person says, be sure first to get their acknowledgment that you understand them – not the other way around. Respond comes last.
I’ve coached many people who’ve said that No–FEAR is the most valuable thing they learned from me. Why? Because this technique shows that you’re not here to criticize, blame, point fingers. Rather, you seek a Win-Win solution. In most cases, the other person will follow your lead. Instead of defensiveness or hostility, they’ll look for a solution too.
The other great benefit is that once you get the technique down, you’ll disable the insidious instinct to avoid where you procrastinate and allow the problem to fester. That is why I call the technique the “No”–FEAR.
I’m sure everyone at the recent Coach Dojo would tell you that the No–FEAR technique is simple. And I’m also sure simple doesn’t mean easy. It takes practice. That’s why MGSCC created the Coach Dojo. See you there!
You can learn more about the No-FEAR and other coaching techniques at the free resource here.
Jathan Janove, MGSCC Chief Learning Officer, is the author, most recently, of “The HR Renaissance: From Legal Guard to Growth Partner.”
