Everyday MBA How To Thrive Under Fear-Based Leaders
Nov 1, 2025
Kate Lowry, a Silicon Valley veteran and CEO coach, shares her insights on thriving under fear-based leadership. She defines fear-based leadership and discusses its negative impact on innovation. Kate describes how to identify intimidating bosses and offers practical strategies for managing such environments. She highlights societal factors contributing to this trend and emphasizes the importance of building resilience. With actionable tips like defining non-negotiables, Kate empowers listeners to navigate these challenging dynamics effectively.
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Manage Up By Learning Their Patterns
- If you can't leave, learn the predictable patterns of fear-based leaders and manage upward.
- Use tailored tactics to protect what you care about and reduce exposure.
Share Less And De-Escalate Fast
- Limit personal information; fear-based leaders weaponize what you share.
- Use de-escalating, validating replies so they feel heard and calm down.
Be A 'Gray Rock' And Validate Requests
- When threatened, act inert and avoid giving emotional reactions to deprive them of a reaction.
- Reply with validated, action-focused responses to shift their channel and defuse escalation.
