Anxiety: What You Can Control When You Feel Powerless
Anxiety isn’t just something we experience on our own—it shows up in our workplaces, in our teams, and in the way we lead. It happens when uncertainty and powerlessness intersect. If we don’t know what’s coming and don’t believe we can do anything about it, anxiety takes over. But here’s the thing: no matter the situation, we always have some power.
In his book Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success, Chip Conley offers a simple yet powerful equation: Anxiety = Uncertainty x Powerlessness. This formula explains why anxiety can feel overwhelming—it’s not just one factor, but the combination of not knowing what’s ahead and feeling like we have no control. The good news? If we can reduce even one of those variables, we can lessen anxiety’s grip.
I often talk to leaders about recognizing what’s “in their hand.” What decisions can they still make? What values can they lean on? What past experiences remind them that they’ve faced uncertainty before and made it through? Those small shifts can create space for hope, and hope is the foundation for moving forward.
Think back to a time when you felt anxious at work. Maybe there were leadership changes, shifting priorities, or unexpected challenges. In moments like these, it's easy to spiral, but focusing on what you do know helps break the cycle. Ask yourself:
What’s still certain?
What strengths do I have?
What’s one decision I can make right now?
These questions don’t erase anxiety, but they stop it from running the show.
For teams, anxiety can become a shared experience that slows progress. If uncertainty is in the air, it’s important for leaders to acknowledge it and help people regain a sense of control. This might look like clear communication, defining what’s within their influence, and encouraging a mindset of resilience.
At Translator’s Consulting Group, we help teams and leaders work through emotions like anxiety with practical tools for resilience. Our Navigating the Emotions of Inclusion class helps leaders create cultures where emotions are understood, not ignored. The Case for Courage equips teams to lean into discomfort with confidence. The Resilience Factor provides a roadmap for bouncing back stronger. And if you or your team feel stuck in the cycle of uncertainty and fear, Getting UNSTUCK offers practical strategies to break free from limiting beliefs and regain momentum.
If anxiety is holding your team back, let’s talk. Emotions are a part of leadership, culture, and growth—but they don’t have to be roadblocks. We’re here to help.