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Introducing our latest Big Think+ class.
How to lead through anxiety with Jesse Eisenberg
In a candid exploration of the forces that drive creativity and success, Jesse Eisenberg delves into the paradoxes of the creative process and leadership. With striking honesty, Eisenberg reveals how anxiety, self-doubt, and fear have been unlikely catalysts in his multifaceted career as an actor, writer, and director. Beyond the glare of Hollywood, he shares personal anecdotes that shed light on the complexities of navigating public perception, criticism, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Eisenberg’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of reframing vulnerability as a source of strength, offering profound insights into the art of leadership. Through a lens of empathy and humility, he challenges conventional notions of authority, showcasing how leading with a quiet confidence can inspire innovation and collaboration.
This dialogue invites a deeper understanding of how emotional intelligence and a willingness to embrace the unknown are pivotal in cultivating a culture of creativity and resilience in any field.
Learning objectives:
Reframe feelings of self-doubt and fear.
Build empathetic and productive partnerships with diverse team members.
Prioritize skill sets and alter course when needed to achieve project goals.
Handle difficulties and motivate others with decisiveness and transparency.
Lead with sensitivity, humility, and genuine interest in your collaborators.
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Lessons:
Lesson 1: How to Manage Self-Doubt
We’re often told that having “no fear” is a worthwhile goal — albeit one that’s almost impossible to achieve. But what if being afraid wasn’t just a common human emotion, but also a superpower of high achievers?
Lesson 2: Navigate Your Fears at Work
When difficult emotions arise, a common piece of advice is to talk to yourself like you would a close friend. This coping strategy encourages self-compassion over self-criticism — and helps us lean toward empathy and kindness.
Lesson 3: How to Excel as an Introvert
Exuding extrovert energy while bravely “leading troops into battle” is a model of leadership that often feels expected and required. Yet — according to actor and director Jesse Eisenberg — it’s not everyone’s style, nor should it be.
Lesson 4: Defer to Your Collaborators' Expertise
C. S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” And according to actor and director Jesse Eisenberg, it’s a good principle to use when you find yourself in a leadership role. It’s never a given whose ideas and expertise will be the ones most effective or important for the task at hand. So by de-centeri…
Lesson 5: Rein in Perfectionists
It’s often said that perfect is the enemy of good, meaning that if you’re always trying to make each detail the best, your larger project might never reach the finish line. It’s a lesson leaders would be wise to heed when managing their teams, according to actor and director Jesse Eisenberg. But it comes with a caveat: If you’re working with a perfectio…
Lesson 6: React with Purpose to Move Collaborations Forward
Yoga instructor Vanda Scaravelli once said, “A rigid mind is very sure but often wrong. A flexible mind is generally unsure but often right.” Applied to work, this concept is a helpful reminder that while wavering unceasingly can stifle progress, the ability to change course when needed often leads to professional success. Actor and director Jesse Eisen…
Lesson 7: How to Direct Top Talent When You Feel Like a Fraud
Imposter Syndrome. You’ve probably heard of it. More likely, you’ve felt it. According to the Harvard Business Review, about 70% of people have experienced its characteristics (i.e., thinking others believe your skills are exaggerated, fearing being exposed as a fraud). So how can you push past the discomfort and move forward?
Lesson 8: Deal with Difficult People
In the reimaged story of "The Wizard of Oz" entitled "Wicked", we learn the backstory behind the Wicked Witch of the West’s seemingly ruthless quest for power. Uncovering her experiences of personal loss, for example, provides helpful insights — and reminds us that the “difficult” people in our own lives might also be carrying some troublesome history.
Lesson 9: Deal with Difficult Projects
Imagine hiking up a mountain when an unexpected storm blows in. Suddenly, you find yourself drenched from torrential rains, taking scant refuge under a tree, and growing increasingly nervous about the lightning strikes a few hills over. Your companions, less experienced than you, ask, “What should we do?”
