"When you take the fear away, the automatic outcome is you energize your performance," says Gayle Gregory, motivation and leadership coach and co-author of The Grand Experiment: An Expedition of Self-Discovery. The problem is that fear is a powerful force, and dismantling the fears present in your business is not as easy as ordering new supplies or restocking an inventory. Consider the following three steps to dismantle ineffective behaviors in your business and maximize your company's potential. Step 1: Identify the Cause Often times, ineffective behaviors have a root in the subconscious fears present in the human condition. By identifying the fears held by your employees, you are able to better face the causes and the effects of these fears. Determine what your employees are trepidatious about by asking questions both of them and of yourself. Do employees seem afraid to take risks? Do they often neglect to reveal mistakes? Are they afraid to challenge the status quo or take the initiative? Step 2: Combat the Fear Fear, while powerful, only retains its power while it remains hidden or unspoken. Exposed fears are fears are fears that can be dealt with. Encourage open discussion of concerns and fears. Ask employees what worries them. At first, this dialogue is difficult, but after the first fears are on the table, momentum carries the rest into the light. As Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "The only thing to fear is fear itself." The only thing that gives fear power is a conscious decision to keep it in the dark. Step 3: Encourage Positive Behavior While fear causes ineffective behaviors, a positive environment encourages effective behaviors. Encourage open discussion of thoughts and ideas among employees, especially in teams. Remember, your competition is your market competitors, not your coworkers. Promote a positive, proactive view of your workplace. Businesses that are viewed as bold and innovative make use of fearless teamwork among departments and employees to maximize creative output and gain an edge on the market. Dr. Proactive Randy Gilbert is founder of Inside Success Radio and enjoyed learning from Gayle Gregory, leadership coach and author, during her interview on The Inside Business Success Show with Jan Schleicher. You can learn these tips and more on conquering fear in your business from Gayle Gregory by listening to the entire interview for free by going to www.InsideSuccessRadio.com/Guests/Gayle-Gregory