Hello! I really hope my answer can help you in some way.
You have a great sense of awareness! From a psychological point of view, some of the emotions and feelings we experience when interacting with authority figures are actually related to the patterns we developed when interacting with our fathers. Because all of our relationships with the outside world develop from our original attachment relationships, we can understand ourselves from this perspective. But that doesn't mean that if our relationship with our father wasn't ideal, we can't develop a good relationship with authority figures. We can always improve ourselves, grow ourselves, handle our relationship with ourselves, and also usher in more harmonious interpersonal relationships!
I really want to help you, so here's my advice:
It's so important to understand yourself and to recognize the underlying needs that are driving your fears.
From what you've told me, it seems like you and your dad didn't communicate much, and you felt a sense of distance. When you were young, you were fearful and afraid of your dad. He was emotionally unstable. Did you often worry about him losing his temper with you? Do you feel similar to how you feel when you face your leader now?
Absolutely! From a psychological perspective, our current emotions are not only related to current events, but also to our previously repressed emotions. When something happens in the present, it triggers an "unfinished event" from the past, and the repressed emotions come up. This is a great reminder for you to understand yourself, see the repressed emotions, and release and transform them in a reasonable way. For example, writing and talking are wonderful ways to release.
It can be really helpful to try to become aware of the scene that comes to mind the next time a leader criticizes you. It's likely that some criticism from your father when you were a child will come to mind. Go and see what happened at that time, and just feel all of your emotions, feelings, thoughts, and physical sensations.
You can also take some time to explore what the need behind your emotions is, which is actually your core need. It's totally normal to feel the way you do! The unmet core need is the cause of your emotions.
2. Take a moment to think about whether your father and other authority figures can meet your needs. If they can't, it might be helpful to learn how to ask for what you need from the right people in a way that feels more reasonable to you.
When I used the first method and found that my core need is to be recognized, I also found that when the leader does not recognize me, I will be very nervous, scared, angry, and even physically shaking. It's so hard to get my father to recognize me because he's just as emotional as your father and doesn't like to express it, which makes me feel a sense of distance. And some leaders are used to criticizing and correcting, but they're not so good at expressing recognition and appreciation, so it's also difficult to get them to do so.
But the good news is that we can go to people who can give us the satisfaction we need. For example, some leaders inherently support and recognize you. You can go for counseling, in the process of which you can re-nurture yourself, internalize the unconditional acceptance and recognition of the counselor, and establish a new positive relationship model. You can even learn to be your own inner parent and learn to recognize yourself! In fact, you have everything inside, the love, recognition, understanding, and acceptance you expect from leaders and parents. You have it all inside because each of us is self-sufficient.
When we meet our needs in a reasonable way, it'll make our emotions more peaceful, and we'll feel more comfortable in our relationships.
I hope this is helpful for you! Wishing you all the best!


Comments
It sounds like you're carrying a lot of weight from past experiences. Facing authority figures can be tough, especially when there's a history of fear and anxiety tied to it. Learning to set boundaries and communicate effectively might help you feel more in control.
The challenges you've faced with authority figures seem deeply personal. It's important to remember that your feelings are valid. Maybe finding a mentor who can offer guidance on professional interactions could provide some support.
Reflecting on your experience, it seems like the fear of not meeting expectations has greatly impacted your work relationships. Building confidence in your skills and seeking constructive feedback could potentially ease some of this pressure.
Your story resonates with many people who have struggled with similar issues. Sometimes, understanding where these fears originate, like from childhood experiences, can be a step toward overcoming them. Therapy or counseling might offer a safe space to explore these feelings.
It's clear that your relationship with authority has been shaped by both professional and personal experiences. Perhaps focusing on selfcare and stress management techniques can help you handle difficult situations better and maintain your composure.