This morning I read that Mr. Wagoner, CEO of GM is stepping down at the request of the US Government.  GM needs change, big change and the incremental approach applied so far is just not cutting it any more.  Those who are still investing in GM (government) are demanding action.  More than Mr. Wagoner has demonstrated that he can deliver.  GM is only the most recent and high profile example.  Companies seeking investment from "angel investors" or "venture capital" will pay dearly for that money.  The rate of return that is expected will be high and often the investors will demand a controlling interest in the company.  Why?  They see the potential (the opportunity) and the lack of choice to act on it.  They also see that by choosing more quickly that return is increased.  These investors know a good thing when they spot it.  They know what it takes - decisive action - choice.  They are not in denial about the possibilities, they see challenges as opportunities, they are not afraid to make choices and quickly.  That's what's happening at GM.  The huge monolith is being compelled to act faster by its "angel investor" - the US Government.

Ask yourself AND your bosses: are you doing what GM was doing?  Are you moving slowly and incrementally when there is opportunity to move decisively and quickly right now?  Are you letting your fears of lack (of cash, of failing if it doesn't work out as planned) get in your way.  Are you giving those fears power by choosing on the basis of those fears?  Is the opportunity that you have right now being ignored or denied due to fear? 

Fear is the signpost towards opportunity.  Fear means that something new and untried awaits.  If the past actions and methods haven't worked so well it's time for a change.  Fear means that you are onto something new and different.  Just think about it, you can't fear something that has already happened to you.  In cases where something you have epxerienced crops up, you already "know" what to do.  We all know that not acting because cash is tight is a sure way to let someone else get ahead in the competitive world. 

Power is really nothing more than our ability to choose a path of action, a direction and to act on it.  Power isn't about influence over others at all - they can still think and do what they want (i.e.: they can still choose on their own).  Giving our power to choose over to fear is giving that fear energy - and that brings it on.  Millionaires have a common trait - they don't give in to their fears.  They see opportunity in fear.  They acknowledge and respect it, but they don't give it power.  That's why angel investors and venture capitalists have money to invest.  They see the opportunity where there is fear.  Just like a hunter can sense the fear in its prey they home in on it and pounce (in a helpful way).  Mr. Wagoner has been in fear and no doubt he would deny it, but his actions have not been quick and decisive.  The investors see his fear and are acting on it.

Are you and your company going to be paralyzed by fear and inaction?  Or are you going to sense the fear and pounce?  Are you prey or predator?