Three Tips to Calm Chicken Little

“The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” — Chicken Little aka Henny Penny

Chicken Little

I’ve worked with a number of Chicken Little’s over the years. You know them…employees who become almost hysterical in their reaction to feedback or their belief that organizational or team disaster is imminent. These people are often unreasonably afraid. Worse yet, they often try to incite fear in those around them. So what can a leader do to calm Chicken Little?

1. Let Chicken Little vent (but not on and on and on).
Many people try to deal with emotional situations by getting straight to the issue and problem solving right away. This ignores the emotion. It is useful to address three things (in this order): our own emotional reaction to the other person’s behaviors; the other person’s behavior; and, the content. By addressing in this order, it allows us to better coach others and ultimately address the core issue.

2. Re-frame the situation.
Understanding and helping Chicken Little see the “other side” of a situation is key to calming a “sky is falling” response. Reassessing the situation and “framing” it in a new way can help the individual be more positive about what is happening. Ask:
• What’s another way to look at that?
• Could the opposite be true?
• What assumptions are you making?
• What is the worst/best thing that can happen?

3. Identify facts versus opinions.
Summarize your understanding of what Chicken Little has said. Ask questions and avoid placing blame or judging. Avoid absolute words (always, never, everyone, no one). Acknowledge and validate thoughts and feelings; and, be persistent about the purpose and direction of your conversation. If it is your perception or opinion, state it as such; and, where possible, provide facts and specific examples of behavior.

You can calm Chicken Little if you stay calm, don’t let him/her sidetrack you, and remember to focus (or re-focus) on what you are trying to accomplish.

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