The Fear of Being Watched: Understanding and Overcoming "Manager Phobia"

Imagine this: You’re in your workspace, immersed in your tasks, and everything is flowing perfectly. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you notice your manager standing behind you, observing your every move. Suddenly, the ease with which you were working disappears. Your hands tremble, your mind blanks, and tasks that seemed simple moments ago become insurmountable challenges. Does this sound familiar? If so, you might be experiencing what I call “manager phobia.” Introducing "Manager Phobia" The term "manager phobia" is one I, Anish Banjara, coined from my own experiences. Over the years, I noticed a peculiar pattern: I could perform tasks with ease when left alone, but the moment I felt the presence of a manager or leader observing me, my confidence would falter, and my work would suffer. It was as though their gaze held the power to unravel my focus and turn routine tasks into overwhelming hurdles. This personal struggle inspired me to delve deeper into the psychology behind this phenomenon and explore ways to overcome it. The Psychology Behind Manager Phobia The fear of being watched while working, especially by someone in authority, isn’t new. Psychologists attribute this to a phenomenon known as the "Hawthorne Effect." This effect, named after experiments conducted at the Western Electric Hawthorne Works in the 1920s, suggests that people tend to alter their behavior when they know they’re being observed. While this can sometimes lead to improved performance, for many, it results in heightened anxiety and reduced efficiency. On a deeper level, this fear often stems from perfectionism and a fear of judgment. If you’ve ever been scolded for a mistake, even a minor one, your brain might associate managerial observation with criticism or punishment. Over time, this creates a mental block, making it hard to perform under scrutiny. A Brief Look at History: The "Panopticon" Effect In the late 18th century, philosopher Jeremy Bentham proposed the idea of the "Panopticon," a circular prison design where guards could observe prisoners without being seen themselves. The constant possibility of being watched was intended to encourage good behavior among inmates. Interestingly, the Panopticon’s principles extend beyond prisons. In workplaces, the mere presence of managerial oversight can evoke similar feelings of being monitored, leading to stress and self-consciousness. The Science of Performance Anxiety When you sense someone watching you, your brain perceives it as a potential threat, activating the "fight or flight" response. Adrenaline surges through your body, your heart rate increases, and your focus shifts from the task at hand to the perceived danger—in this case, your manager. This reaction, though meant to protect you, often has the opposite effect, disrupting your ability to concentrate and perform. How to Overcome Manager Phobia Reframe Your Perspective Instead of viewing your manager’s observation as judgment, see it as an opportunity for growth. Remember, most managers are there to support, not criticize. Practice Mindfulness Grounding techniques, like deep breathing or focusing on your senses, can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety. For instance, try the "4-7-8" breathing method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Build Confidence Through Preparation The more prepared you are, the less intimidating observation feels. Practice tasks in advance, and ensure you’re clear about your objectives. Communicate Openly If your manager’s presence makes you uncomfortable, consider having a candid conversation. Politely explain how you feel and discuss ways to improve the dynamic. Desensitize Yourself Gradually expose yourself to being observed. Start by asking a trusted colleague to watch you while you work. Over time, this can help you get accustomed to performing under observation. Focus on the Task, Not the Observer Shift your attention back to your work. Remind yourself that your skills and abilities haven’t changed just because someone is watching. Embracing Confidence Overcoming manager phobia is a journey, not a switch you can flip overnight. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to challenge your fears. Remember, the next time you feel those watchful eyes on you, they’re not there to catch your mistakes but to witness your growth. With time and effort, you’ll not only conquer your fear but thrive under observation. Who knows? One day, you might even find yourself inspiring someone else from the other side of the desk.

OFFICEWORK PLACE ANXIETYMANAGER FEAR