Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills 60. Worried You’re Always “In Trouble” at Work (Even When Nothing’s Wrong)? Here’s Why
Aug 20, 2025
Many accomplished professionals feel childlike anxiety about authority at work, even when they have proven themselves. A simple message from a boss can evoke intense fear, reminiscent of childhood disappointments. The podcast reveals how these feelings often persist, especially as one rises in their career. Listeners learn techniques to transform panic into clarity and regain their confidence. Discover the hidden links between childhood behaviors and adult leadership challenges, as well as effective strategies to overcome internal barriers.
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Adult Leaders Revert To Childhood Alarm
- Many accomplished professionals still feel viscerally like a scared child when criticized at work.
- This reaction mirrors childhood 'getting in trouble' alarms and can hijack adult leadership presence.
Early Authority Wiring Shapes Workplace Fear
- Childhood experiences with authority shape adult threat-detection wiring around approval and disapproval.
- Sensitive people who learned to scan adults for mood shifts strengthen neural pathways that link approval to safety.
Work Structures Reactivate Old Survival Signals
- Modern workplaces recreate childhood dynamics with hierarchies, performance reviews, and evaluative authority.
- Higher visibility magnifies perceived stakes, making old alarms feel relevant even if not life-threatening.
