The Fear of Carwashes: A Leader's Guide to Helping Team Members Navigate the Fear of the Unknown

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” ~ Alan Watts

Autoplenophobia?

The other day, I found myself queued up to enter the car wash tunnel. Those spinning brushes, reminiscent of the McDonald's Fry Kids from the 1980s, began their motion. Nowadays, I enjoy having my car cleaned, but it wasn't always the case. As I sat in the car that day, a memory flashed back to my early childhood when my parents took us through a similar car wash, and I was gripped with fear, burying my head in the seat.

McDonald’s Fry Kids

Reflecting on this memory, I wondered how peculiar or odd I might have been as a child. It turns out, Autoplenophobia—the fear of carwashes—is indeed a real thing. In fact, it's estimated that 5-7% of children experience fear or anxiety related to car washes. I recall that my childhood fear stemmed partly from the resemblance of those brushes to monsters on TV, but also from the loud noises and unfamiliar surroundings. For toddlers and young children, many places and experiences are novel and unsettling. The car wash, with its noisy machinery, water jets, and giant foam wipers, can be overwhelming, turning the mundane into the extraordinary.

In the car wash, my childhood imagination ran wild, as is often the case with children. I perceived the car wash as something otherworldly. To a toddler, those big foam wipers might resemble menacing monsters. Even though my parents could rationalize the situation, our young minds don't always process information logically.

But why is that? At such a young age, I was beginning to realize my lack of control in the world. Consequently, something as seemingly innocuous as a car wash appeared daunting and frightening to me.

Dealing with Change in the Workplace

Obviously, I eventually overcame my autoplenophobia. Yet, in many ways, this experience parallels how we deal with the unfamiliar in life. Many of us fear the unknown in our workplaces and personal lives. During major transformation initiatives, fear can provoke unpredictable or irrational responses from team members. As leaders, it's imperative to recognize the impact of change or unfamiliarity on our team and manage it effectively.

Here are some key considerations for leaders:

Communicate Openly and Often: Just as my parents talked me through each car wash experience, effective communication is crucial for leaders spearheading change initiatives. Regular updates on what's happening, why it's happening, and how it will be beneficial are essential. Even if the change is challenging, such as a reorganization, transparency is key to conveying the necessity of the change.

Acknowledge the Fear: My parents didn't dismiss my fear of the car wash; they acknowledged it and helped me manage it. Similarly, leaders must demonstrate empathy and acknowledge the fears of team members. Instead of disregarding their feelings, create an environment where they can openly discuss their concerns.

Enlist and Engage: My parents engaged me in the car wash experience, making it somewhat fun to help overcome my fear. Likewise, leaders should enlist and engage team members as champions of change whenever possible. Involve them in the change initiative's creation, fostering a sense of ownership for the organization's future direction.

Be Decisive: Just as my parents made the decision to proceed with the car wash despite my protests, leaders must be decisive once the change decision is made. Wishy-washy behavior can undermine the change effort. Sometimes, this means making tough decisions, such as parting ways with team members who aren't aligned with the change or the organization's future culture.

Celebrate: My parents made completing the car wash exciting, emphasizing the cleanliness and fun of it. Similarly, leaders can incorporate celebration into the change initiative. Recognize the closure of past chapters and celebrate milestones of success as the organization moves forward.

Closing Thoughts:

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” ~ Socrates

Leading change initiatives isn't simple, but it's essential to recognize that change is not just a functional or technical process; it's also a human process involving emotions, fears, imagination, and perception. As leaders, we must empathize and communicate effectively, acting swiftly to address any rumors or false beliefs that could derail the initiative. Listening and asking questions are crucial skills for understanding our teams' pulse and managing transitions effectively.

Just as I conquered my fear of carwashes with the patient guidance of my parents, leaders can guide their teams through the uncertain waters of change with empathy, communication, and decisive action. Remember, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome when approached with understanding and leadership. So, let's roll up our sleeves, face those fears head-on, and drive our teams towards a brighter future together. After all, just like conquering a car wash, the satisfaction of success makes the journey worthwhile.