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At work, when facing superiors, there is always a sense of fear. How to coexist with authority?

Authority Workplace Dynamics Anxiety Performance Pressure Emotional Stability
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At work, when facing superiors, there is always a sense of fear. How to coexist with authority? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

After starting to work, I found it quite difficult to get along with those in positions of authority. By authority, I mean my leaders, superiors, and even strong-willed colleagues and clients. When facing them, I always have a sense of fear, especially when I feel I'm not performing well, which causes me even more anxiety.

The behaviors I exhibit are either to avoid them directly, choosing not to confront them, or if I can't escape, to simply agree to whatever tasks my leader assigns without question. Alternatively, when I've accumulated enough dissatisfaction, I might blow up in anger.

My ex-boss before the ex-boss was rather appreciative of me, but he was a workaholic with high expectations. When I failed to meet his standards, he would question me repeatedly, putting immense pressure on me, and on several occasions, I couldn't help but burst into tears. At the time, I didn't want to cry, thinking it would be shameful, but the emotions were too overwhelming (even when I was right in an argument, I would burst into tears).

With my previous boss, I didn't quite acknowledge his abilities. Initially, when he asked me to do things, I would agree, but as the accumulated dissatisfaction grew, one time I couldn't help but get angry and sarcastically mock him. However, after saying it, I regretted it, thinking I shouldn't have spoken to him in such a manner and not showing him respect. This incident has left me feeling guilty, and since then, he hasn't spoken to me. The next day, I tried to buy something nice to apologize, but he simply said no. (This boss also had an unstable temperament, often arguing with everyone in the team.)

I had previously heard that difficulties in getting along with authority stem from a poor relationship with one's father, so I'll talk about my relationship with my father.

My father and mother have always fought. When I was young, my father gave me a sense of fear and anxiety. He was indeed emotionally unstable, with a loud voice and a quick temper. Sometimes when my mother scolded me, she would threaten me with my father, saying, "If you don't listen, tell your dad."

After college, my relationship with my father improved significantly, but we still don't talk much.

Yvonnee Yvonnee A total of 5084 people have been helped

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!

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Anthony Anthony A total of 7004 people have been helped

Hello. Thank you for sharing. I am Liu Nian.

From reading your words, it is clear that you are distressed and uneasy when dealing with authority figures. This is a common emotional experience in the workplace and is often linked to our deep emotional memories and growth experiences.

First of all, I believe that the fear and avoidance you mentioned when dealing with authority figures is deeply connected to your early relationship patterns with your father.

The concept of "attachment patterns" in psychology refers to the way we form emotional connections in our interactions with primary caregivers (such as parents) in early childhood. This continues to impact our relationships as adults.

Your father's emotional instability and loud temper, along with your mother's tendency to scare you with him, have likely subconsciously formed a fear of and avoidance of authority in you. This fear and avoidance manifest when you encounter leaders, superiors, or assertive colleagues in the workplace.

However, it is important to note that this emotional reaction is not your fault and is not something you cannot change. In fact, you have the power to improve your relationship with authority and establish a healthier and more equal workplace interaction model through self-awareness and positive psychological adjustment.

I'm going to share a psychological perspective from cognitive behavioral therapy with you now. Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our emotions and behaviors are largely determined by the way we think.

You can change your way of thinking and adjust your emotional and behavioral responses. Specifically, you can try the following changes:

The first step is to confront your fear and challenge the belief that it is real.

You can challenge these fear beliefs and gradually reduce your anxiety level. Ask yourself, "Is this fear real, or is it just my imagination or past experiences playing a trick on me?"

The second thing you need to do is establish positive self-dialogue. Replace the negative voice inside with positive and encouraging words and establish a positive automatic way of thinking.

For example, when you feel that you have not performed well, tell yourself, "I have done my best. I will learn from this experience and do better next time." This kind of self-talk will boost your self-confidence and resilience.

Third, you must set reasonable boundaries to protect yourself. When communicating with authority, you need to set your own boundaries and bottom lines.

If a task is beyond your capabilities or the timeframe, speak up and ask for help or adjustments. Also, learn to say no to unreasonable demands and expectations to protect your rights and mental health.

Fourth, if you cannot effectively improve the situation on your own, then you must seek support and share your concerns and feelings with colleagues, friends, or family. They can provide you with different perspectives and suggestions to help you better cope with your relationship with authority.

You should also consider seeking professional psychological counseling to explore your inner world in greater depth and find a solution that suits you.

You're right—everyone has times when they lose control of their emotions. The key is learning and growing from it. You've already recognized your inappropriate words and actions and tried to make amends, which is a sign of growth and progress.

You must also learn to forgive yourself and let go of the burdens of the past. This will allow you to face future workplace challenges with a more relaxed and confident attitude.

I'll end this sharing with a quote: "The relationship with authority is not an insurmountable chasm, but a touchstone of our inner growth." You will forge ahead bravely and continue to grow on your future career path.

Believe in yourself. You will overcome your fears and become a more confident and powerful person.

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Jasmine Shaw Jasmine Shaw A total of 1812 people have been helped

The reactions you describe, including avoidance, excessive compliance, or emotional outbursts, are all natural responses that individuals may exhibit under high pressure. However, the way these situations are handled can be gradually adjusted and improved.

The relationship with one's father can significantly impact one's ability to interact with authority figures. The perception of one's father during childhood, particularly the association of authority with fear and pressure, may subconsciously influence one's initial response to authority.

Fortunately, as we mature, we gain the capacity to reinterpret and reshape these relationships, whether they are actual relationships with our fathers or projections of authority within us.

In a professional setting, it is important to identify the emotional triggers that may arise when interacting with authority figures. This awareness can help you prepare mentally for similar situations, ensuring a more composed and confident response.

It is important to understand your job responsibilities and rights. When someone crosses the line, it is essential to have the courage to politely express your boundaries. This will not only protect you, but also foster respect from the other person.

It would be beneficial to alter your perception of authority figures, viewing them as individuals from whom you can learn, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. It is important to recognise that everyone, including authority figures, has strengths and weaknesses.

You have already considered and evaluated potential solutions to the issue, which marks the start of progress. It is important not to be overly critical of yourself, to accept mistakes as part of the process, and to learn from them. With time, you will become more at ease and confident in dealing with authority.

Best of luck!

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Cecil Cecil A total of 5166 people have been helped

Hello, I'm Coach Yu from XinTan, and I'm thrilled to discuss this topic with you!

First, let's dig into why you're afraid.

Our sense of self-efficacy, which is our assessment of our ability to successfully cope with a particular situation, as well as our trust and affirmation of our potential, is a powerful thing. Let's think back to our childhood. When you first started to toddle or hold chopsticks to eat, were you interrupted and stopped countless times by your mother because of her worries and anxieties and her fear of dire consequences?

Over time, we will judge ourselves for the unknown, that is, "I'm not good enough," and our sense of self-efficacy will gradually become problematic, so that we become vulnerable as adults. As the questioner wrote, there is always some fear when facing a leader, especially when you don't perform well, and the fear will increase. But, this is something we can work on!

It may stem from a fear of authority. In work and in life, some people are afraid of their leaders, some are afraid of their parents, some are afraid of their teachers, etc. This is a very common manifestation and behavior, which we call the fear of authority. Let's think back to our childhood. When you raised an idea or a demand, did your parents respond positively or in a rejecting manner?

When we do something wrong, do our parents respond with encouragement or severity?

If a child constantly receives negative feedback, it will lack self-confidence and be in a state of unease and anxiety. This makes it all the more important for them to seek external recognition and approval from an authority figure. However, authority figures themselves have a deterrent quality, which is why we are particularly afraid and fearful. As the original poster wrote, when I fail to meet the leader's expectations and he keeps badgering me, I just can't help crying. But this is an opportunity for growth!

So, on the one hand, we are excited to show our leaders what we can do. On the other hand, we are eager to be recognized by our leaders. All kinds of emotions are entangled together, causing some physical reactions.

We can try to be aware of it and ask ourselves, "What are you afraid of when facing your leader? What kind of feelings does it bring up in you?"

What kind of thoughts?

We can also try to be aware of ourselves and ask ourselves, "If I take the initiative to communicate with my leader, what would I say and do?"

We can also try to become aware of ourselves and ask ourselves: What is my ideal self? What are my ideal workplace relationships? What can I do about it?

Worrying is a waste of time! Know yourself and you're already on your way to change. Relax your mind and embrace your true self. Take care of your body and mind, and feel happy and satisfied emotionally. You'll soon feel like you can take on the world!

We can try to communicate more with our colleagues! We can listen to how they see themselves and some of their feelings when they get along with me. We can also listen to what they say about their leaders and some of their feelings when they get along with their leaders. We can help them improve their self-confidence, and it'll be fun!

Have you ever thought about having an honest conversation with your father? It's not about assigning blame, but about being a good listener. Listen to your father's childhood stories and anecdotes about raising you. You'll be amazed at how much you learn about your father and yourself!

We can also create opportunities to have an honest conversation with the leader. This is a great way to express our feelings and get things off our chests! When we're honest with ourselves and others, we can release pent-up emotions and reduce internal conflict. And we can choose to be honest and humorous in our communication, while also listening to the leader's voice to better understand their style of handling things.

Absolutely! You can definitely seek help by talking to a family member or friend you trust and who has always given you positive support. And if you feel the need, you can also find a counselor or a support group, because emotions must be expressed to relieve the heaviness and blockages in our hearts.

Finally, let's talk about loving yourself! The original poster is aware of her emotions in a timely manner and has very clear values. So let's start by caring for ourselves, taking care of our bodies, and taking care of our feelings!

We can do this! We can accept ourselves, learn more, and become our best selves. When we do, we will feel confident and empowered!

I'm so excited to recommend this book: "Low Self-Esteem and Beyond"!

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Cecelia Knight Cecelia Knight A total of 875 people have been helped

I can see why you find it tricky dealing with authority figures. From what you've said about your childhood, it seems like your dad's behaviour might have left you with some issues when it comes to authority figures as an adult.

In the current situation, you can try to calm yourself down by taking a deep breath when facing an authority figure. Remind yourself that they are also ordinary people who make mistakes and have shortcomings. During communication, try to express your thoughts and opinions clearly, rather than just agreeing or avoiding the issue.

After each interaction with an authority figure, no matter what happens, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what you could improve on. This will help you gradually become more confident in your ability to handle these situations.

Also, give yourself a boost with some positive mental suggestions and believe that you can handle these relationships. Do you find these suggestions helpful?

If that doesn't help, let's think of something else. You could try to prepare yourself well in advance of any contact with an authority figure. Find out about the relevant work content and the questions you might be asked. This will increase your confidence and sense of control.

Another thing you can do is try to change your view of authority. Don't see them as the ultimate authority, but rather see every exchange as an opportunity to work together to solve problems and learn from each other.

You could also look into some training courses on communication skills or interpersonal relationships to help you improve your abilities in this area. What do you think of these ideas?

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Cassandrae Cassandrae A total of 6245 people have been helped

The difficulties you mentioned in dealing with authority figures such as leaders, superiors, strong colleagues, and clients, as well as the potential connection between this difficulty and your relationship with your father in childhood, are all very worthwhile topics for in-depth discussion. Please know that you are not alone in facing these challenges, and that there are ways to deal with and improve them.

1. It would be helpful to understand the emotional root.

You mentioned that your feelings towards your father in childhood were fear and dread, which may have planted a sense of unease towards authority figures in your subconscious. This emotional pattern may be triggered unconsciously in adulthood, especially in the workplace.

I believe that understanding this is the first step towards change. It helps us realize that the current problem may be more than just an interaction problem with the person in front of us. It could also be a reflection of unresolved complexes deep within.

2. Analysis of emotions and behaviors

You have described several typical reactions when faced with authority, including avoidance, excessive compliance, and sudden outbursts. These are common defense mechanisms when dealing with stress, but they may not always be the most effective in solving the problem and could potentially lead to further tension.

It is possible that avoidance may temporarily relieve the immediate stress of a conflict, but in the long term, the underlying problem may still persist and potentially intensify.

Over-compliance can sometimes make us feel a bit oppressed and dissatisfied, as it may not always be a choice based on our own will, but rather out of fear of authority.

While sudden outbursts may temporarily relieve emotional tension, they can also lead to feelings of regret and relationship tension, which may hinder long-term cooperation and communication.

3. Consider developing new coping strategies.

We hope that the following suggestions will be of help to you in getting along better with authority figures:

1. Self-awareness and emotion management

It may be helpful to consider practicing mindfulness meditation. This can improve self-awareness, help you remain calm when emotions arise, and allow you to observe without being driven by emotions.

It might be helpful to keep an emotional diary. This could help you identify patterns in your emotions and find ways to deal with them more effectively.

2. Consider establishing an effective communication model.

It would be beneficial to communicate proactively, rather than waiting until problems have accumulated to the point where they become intolerable. When difficulties or confusion arises, it is helpful to communicate with the authority figure in a timely manner to seek a solution.

It is important to express yourself clearly in communication. One way to do this is by using "I" statements to express your feelings and needs. It is also helpful to avoid blaming or attacking the other person.

It would be beneficial to listen and respond in a way that allows the other person to express their opinions while actively listening and providing feedback to establish a two-way communication mechanism.

3. Consider setting personal boundaries.

It is important to clarify responsibilities. It is helpful to be clear about your job responsibilities and scope, and to learn to reasonably refuse requests that exceed your responsibilities.

It is important to respect yourself and recognize your own value and abilities. It is also important to avoid belittling yourself under the pressure of authority.

It may be helpful to consider establishing boundaries gradually, starting with small things and gradually expanding to larger areas.

4. Consider seeking external support.

It might be helpful to consider seeking professional psychological counseling if you're having trouble adjusting on your own. A psychologist can provide more personalized guidance and support.

It may be helpful to find a mentor you respect and trust, with whom you can discuss how to deal with authority.

It may be helpful to consider participating in social activities related to the workplace. Such activities can be a great way to expand your social circle, exchange experiences with peers, and gain more coping strategies.

4. Consider deepening your self-awareness and growth.

In addition to the specific strategies mentioned above, it may be helpful to consider deepening your self-awareness and understanding your emotional needs and values. Through self-exploration, you may gain a clearer understanding of your position and goals in the workplace, which could help you face challenges from authority with more confidence.

It is important to remember that change is a gradual process that requires patience and persistence. While it is not always easy, it is helpful to try to learn and grow from every interaction.

At the same time, it may be helpful to learn to accept your own imperfections and failures, as they are an integral part of the growth process.

If I might make one final point, it would be this: you have the capacity to transform your relationship with authority. As long as you are prepared to work hard and face challenges with a positive attitude, you will undoubtedly be able to find a way that suits you and establish a more harmonious and effective relationship with authoritative figures.

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Theodora Jackson Theodora Jackson A total of 2110 people have been helped

Hello, fear of authority is a common feeling that can be caused by different things, like how you grew up, how you interact with family, and how confident you are in yourself and in talking to others. In your case, your relationship with your father and early experiences may have had a certain impact on how you get along with authority.

Your feelings are valid. Many people feel nervous or uneasy around authority figures. This is normal. You can learn to manage these emotions.

Here are some tips for dealing with authority:

1. Know yourself. Know how you feel when you're dealing with authority and what makes you feel that way.

2. Manage your emotions. Practice breathing techniques and meditation to stay calm.

3. Build self-confidence by improving your professional skills and self-affirmation.

4. Communicate effectively. Learn and practice good communication skills.

5. Set boundaries to protect yourself from unreasonable demands or behavior.

6. Get help. Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

7. Get professional help if you need it.

8. Improve your relationship with your father. Talk to him about your past to resolve any issues.

9. Know that authority figures are people too. They have strengths and weaknesses and can make mistakes.

10. **Self-growth**: See these as chances to grow and work on communicating with authority.

11. Reflect and learn from every interaction with authority.

12. Gradually confronting authority figures can help you feel less afraid and avoid them less.

Changing how you interact with authority figures takes time and patience. Through self-awareness, emotional management, and effective communication, you can gradually establish healthier interactions. You have already taken an important step on the path to seeking help and self-improvement.

You can learn to overcome these challenges and find your own ways of coping. You are great, and your value is not dependent on others.

Trust yourself. You can face authority with confidence.

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Iolanthe Fitzgerald Iolanthe Fitzgerald A total of 2773 people have been helped

Hello, landlord. I saw your description and understand. I hope my sharing helps.

You said in the article that we all feel tense around our leaders.

I felt that leaders had a magic power over me.

Your family also influenced you. You felt more oppressed by your leaders.

Let's look at how your original family has influenced you.

My parents liked to argue, and my father was bad-tempered. He gained authority in the family.

My mother used my father to suppress my disobedience.

I felt oppressed when I was around my father.

This is especially true when working in a factory.

Men make you feel oppressed.

You have to communicate with your leader at work. Don't think of them as superior.

He's in a higher position than you.

He is also a worker, even though he is in a high position. All humans are equal.

Don't stress.

Sometimes, you can copy the leader's posture or speech.

We will learn slowly and think like other people. If you were him, what would be good for you? Then you will no longer be afraid of the leader.

Talk to your father more often. He might give you a different explanation.

Don't be afraid of the leader's authority or the pressure it brings.

We will imitate the leader, treat ourselves as the leader, and slowly feel the atmosphere.

You will no longer be afraid of the leader.

These are my thoughts.

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Freya White Freya White A total of 4272 people have been helped

Dear question asker, I can perceive the confusion you are currently experiencing, and I extend my support to you.

You indicated that during your formative years, you experienced feelings of trepidation and apprehension when in the presence of your father.

Your father occupies the role of an authoritative figure in your life.

Consequently, despite having reached adulthood, you still exhibit a fear of your leader.

This is analogous to the situation with your previous boss, who persistently questioned you, which ultimately led to your emotional outburst.

In that moment, it appears that you have reverted to a state of mind characteristic of your childhood.

When a child is unable to face the pressure from his father, he will typically express his distress through crying.

The issue, however, is that the individual in question is now an adult.

Should you shed tears when confronted by your superior, he may perceive you as feeble and disregard your input.

It is therefore essential that on the next occasion you encounter your leader, you do so in a manner that reflects your status as an adult.

It is evident that the current self is distinct from the child self.

For example, I am taller and stronger than I was as a child, and I am also more powerful internally.

As a result, individuals are now better equipped to express themselves effectively when interacting with their leaders.

Each individual possesses three distinct states: the "child state," the "parent state," and the "adult state."

For further information on these three states, I would suggest consulting the classic psychology text, Mr. Toad Goes to the Psychiatrist.

Additionally, one may seek assistance from a mental health professional to address these issues.

With regard to the literature on the subject, I would suggest the book Embracing Your Inner Child.

It is my sincere hope that the questioner will be able to find an effective solution to the problem they are facing as soon as possible.

This is the extent of my current knowledge on the matter.

It is my sincere hope that the aforementioned response will prove both helpful and inspiring to you. As the individual responsible for formulating this reply, I am committed to providing a thoughtful and well-researched answer.

At Yixinli, we extend our warmest regards to the entire world.

Please be advised that the following text has been redacted.

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Alden Alden A total of 1342 people have been helped

Good morning. I would like to extend a warm greeting to you. Based on your description, I am curious if your parents exhibited a dominant demeanor during your childhood. This may have instilled a sense of apprehension when encountering individuals with a similar authoritative style. I can relate to this experience. I often felt uneasy when confronted by such individuals and found myself reacting with tears.

Even if you respond in a confrontational manner, you will still experience a sense of shame. The following day, you promptly apologize, which suggests that you possess a personality that is generally agreeable.

The relationship with his father, coupled with the fact that he grew up in an environment where his parents were constantly arguing, can cause the child to feel very insecure. This is a microcosm of the initial impression of his father (loud voice, hot temper – i.e., the authoritative role).

I would like to extend a supportive gesture in the form of a hug, given that your family environment may not have provided you with the necessary level of acceptance and understanding. It is possible that you may have been subjected to criticism and punishment on a regular basis when you made a mistake, which could have resulted in a more fragile and sensitive mindset.

I believe that we should first alter the characteristics of a pleasing personality and reject the notion of shame. We have the right to express our needs and communicate our dissatisfaction with others in a clear and assertive manner.

Everyone is born with equal potential, and even leaders are ordinary people with different roles.

The next step is to reconcile with your own family of origin. If time allows, explore your childhood, talk to your inner child, and re-embrace yourself and re-nurture your inner child. Give him/her a little more love, and only by loving yourself more will you have more confidence.

Ultimately, it is my hope that you will be able to shed the stereotypes associated with authoritative figures and rebuild your self-confidence. I am confident that with continued effort, things will improve. Keep up the good work!

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Beverly Beverly A total of 4804 people have been helped

The issue raised by the questioner is indeed related to the original family in theory; however, the extent of this relationship is limited. The questioner's concerns are more closely aligned with an internalized "obsession." In the context of the original family, parents serve as the authority figures within the family structure. If the relationship with parents is characterized by discord or if parents fail to demonstrate respect, recognition, and acceptance of the child, the child may develop a sense of fear and distrust towards parents.

These fears are transformed into fears of leadership authority in the social workplace, and they also have their own meaning, though the questioner is not consciously aware of it.

Fear of authority can be understood as an instinctive reaction, a sign of inner insecurity and a lack of self-confidence and helplessness. Alternatively, it can be viewed as an acceptance and "submission" to authority and their power, a way of gaining their acceptance and approval through this display of "weakness." To overcome this fear, it is first necessary to accept its existence and allow oneself to feel this fear of parents and authority.

Secondly, it is imperative to confront and acknowledge the underlying fears that may be influencing your actions. By doing so, you can gain a deeper understanding of their underlying needs and motivations. This will enable you to take steps to address those needs and demonstrate your commitment to addressing them. To achieve this, it is essential to develop and enhance your comprehensive business capabilities. This will help narrow the gap between you and the leadership authority. Additionally, it is crucial to consistently demonstrate a high level of commitment and excellence in your work. This will reduce the likelihood of being subjected to criticism or rejection by the leadership authority. Finally, it is vital to seek recognition and praise from the leadership authority. This can be achieved by consistently exhibiting a positive attitude, high level of commitment, and excellence in your work.

The aforementioned opinions are solely those of the questioner and are presented for reference only.

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Wyatt Collins Wyatt Collins A total of 7905 people have been helped

You were right to hear that before, and you have a hard time with fear-how-to-coexist-with-authority-7546.html" target="_blank">authority because you didn't have a good relationship with your father.

However, what you heard might just be a sentence that seemed to make sense, and you didn't really look into it.

Let's take a look at this together.

From the moment we're in our mother's womb, we're connected to her. Once we're born, we start to see men as our fathers.

And fathers are often the first people we meet in society.

So, our relationship with our father affects how we relate to society and other people, especially when it comes to authority.

When you were a kid, your folks fought a lot, and your dad was pretty unstable and loud. You felt afraid and intimidated by him. And your mom also used your dad to scare you and try to get you to behave.

Your fear and dread of your father accompanied your growth. After growing up, it became your fear and dread of authority.

This is reflected in the question you asked: "I always feel a little afraid when facing my leader."

On the other hand, you see authority as "your own leaders, superiors, and even strong colleagues and customers." Being strong might also mean having a loud voice and a short temper.

This authority figure will make you unconsciously associate with your father. As you get along with this person, you'll also unconsciously project the way you get along with your father.

Out of fear, you either avoid it, put up with it if you can't avoid it, or lash out if you can't put up with it.

The former leader was a workaholic and would interrogate you if you didn't meet his expectations. It was hard not to cry in that situation.

The former leader was emotionally unstable, and you didn't recognize his abilities, so you held back until the end and lashed out.

There are some underlying issues with authority here, and there are aspects of your experience that attracted them and led them to treat you that way.

As you can see, the relationship with authority is basically a copy of the relationship with your father.

To get out of this cycle, you need to start building a relationship with your father again.

You can find a professional psychological counselor you're comfortable working with to help you through this process.

Let it all out. Say the things you wanted to say to your father when you were a child but didn't. Those words may contain anger, grievances, and sadness. After you let it out, you'll see that all these expressions contain your expectations and love for your father.

"My former leader, I didn't really think he was all that capable," and deep down, you probably didn't think your father was all that capable either, "such a father..."

You don't have to recognize your father's abilities. He gave you life, and that's enough. Thank him.

You don't have to recognize the leader's abilities either. It's not necessary for a person to be professionally competent to become a leader. It could be that his leaders trust him, or for other reasons.

Similarly, the leader has also given you the chance to reflect on your relationship with your father, which is a good reason to thank him.

Healing the relationship with your father will take some time, so don't rush things. Everything will get better with time.

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Imogen Lily Morgan Imogen Lily Morgan A total of 5484 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker, I can relate to your question as I have had a similar experience.

The core issue described by the questioner is a fear of authority, which also touches on the relationship with the father in the original family. In response to the questioner's confusion, I would like to discuss the following four aspects:

What is the first questioner's self-perception? How does the questioner view themselves? What are their personal attributes?

In a professional context, if your fear is rooted in your own inner panic, you have a clear understanding of your capabilities and thought processes.

Question 2: Have you ever considered the source of your panic? Is it a fear of authority figures or a concern about your own abilities? For instance, if you lack the confidence to look a boss in the eye, you may accept the work arrangements of a workaholic boss, which can lead to stress. Similarly, if you lack a clear goal or plan for your work, you may not be able to stick to your opinions when faced with differing views.

The third objective is to enhance emotional resilience. Emotional stability provides the capacity to navigate a range of challenges.

As the adage goes, actions speak louder than words. It is the capacity to express one's views in a gentle but resolute manner when confronted with opposing perspectives. Conversely, when dealing with authority figures, I allow my inner apprehensions to manifest. I endeavor to allow these sentiments to dissipate organically, maintaining a state of equanimity amidst discomfort while pursuing my individual responsibilities or temporarily disengaging when necessary.

Fourth, rebuild your relationship with your father, reconcile with him, and gain strength.

The aforementioned suggestions are intended to address the questioner's concerns and provide guidance on how to approach their work with confidence.

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Comments

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Cynthia Miller The more you apply yourself with diligence, the more doors of opportunity open.

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.

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Khalil Thomas Growth is a natural response to challenges and opportunities.

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.

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Kendrick Davis Teachers are the weavers of the fabric of education, thread by thread.

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.

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Fernando Thomas The combination of knowledge in mathematics and the arts can lead to unique insights.

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.

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Merlin Davis The process of learning is a journey of transformation and evolution.

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.

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