DealBook Summit: Business Executives Share Tips for Leadership

Fear Is Not the Foundation of Strong Teams

During a DealBook Summit task‑force panel, senior leaders from a range of industries agreed that using fear as a management tool undermines a team’s ability to thrive in challenging periods. The executives emphasized that trust, clear communication, and shared purpose are far more effective in building resilient organizations.

“When you lead with anxiety, you create a culture of hesitation,” said one panelist, a veteran CEO of a multinational firm. “Instead, we need to empower our people, give them the confidence to make decisions, and support them when the market turns turbulent.”

Other speakers highlighted practical steps for fostering a positive environment:

• Set transparent goals: Clearly articulate short‑term and long‑term objectives so everyone understands the direction.
• Encourage open dialogue: Create safe spaces for employees to voice concerns and propose ideas without fear of retribution.
• Recognize effort: Celebrate both small wins and major milestones to reinforce a sense of accomplishment.
• Invest in development: Provide training and mentorship that equip teams to handle uncertainty confidently.

By shifting the focus from intimidation to inspiration, the panelists argued that companies can build teams capable of navigating even the most difficult economic climates.