Don't Crack Under Pressure

History has always been full of horror stories of how subordinates of kings, dictators, and despots have committed various atrocities on innocent citizens due to fear of their loud-mouthed and short-tempered superiors.

Personal Development

Even in the so-called civilized business world we often hear stories of civilian atrocities on employees for various reasons. And on the other side, we also see or hear about valiant acts and even gory deaths of heroic people like policemen, soldiers, firemen, etc. You may wonder how or why such crimes or achievements are possible by seemingly ordinary human beings. Or you may think these brave people must have no fear of any kind to attempt such heroics.

But do you know what can frighten or set a panic attack even in such tough people? The normal answer would be the possibility of a serious injury or death. But it is not that and is something far simpler. Though these people are brave enough to kill others and face death or injuries, internally many of these people are more afraid of the wrath of their immediate supervisors, superiors, or training instructors. It is often said that a soldier would rather face death than get on the wrong side of their supervisors. Hence they blindly obey orders by switching off their conscience and ignoring the difference between right and wrong. In other words, they crack under pressure as they psychologically become terrified of their superior's behaviors or verbal tirades.

Similarly, many employees crack and lose their stability in front of demanding customers, tough bosses, loudmouths, and start tolerating unreasonable demands. Many suffer atrocities silently and become unable to take a polite firm stand on unreasonable demands. Such fears could exist for myriads of reasons, especially related to salary hikes, losing a sale, promotions, perks, and growth in the workplace.