“Don’t be afraid.”
The leader who says this to an employee either is very much afraid or lacks even a scintilla of empathy. In either case, the statement (or response) is so bad.
First, it is remarkably disrespectful. Don’t tell people how to feel!
Second, if employees listen to you, they may become ill (or worse). Fear is healthy now—it may keep us and those we care about safe as we social distance.
Third, the comment undermines whatever credibility the leader may have. I cannot think of a worse time to project dangerous bravado.
To read the full text of this post by Duane Morris partner Jonathan Segal, please visit The SHRMBlog.