As an executive, how you handle your fear and stress sends ripple effects throughout your organization. Look at this list of 10 common mistakes that executives frequently make, which results in ambiguity and heightened stress.

1. Micromanage and over-steer – this alienates employees and heightens their anxiety.

2. Reduce communication – this fuels the rumor mill and exacerbates negative story telling among employees about the leadership of the organization.

3. Isolate themselves – the cycles of fear repeat and increase speed.

4. Replace strategic thinking with tactical thinking that’s centered on smaller and smaller things. This leaves people without good direction and without hope that things will turn around.

5. Cut too much infrastructure to appease short-term bottom line. People don’t have the tools and capacity to serve their customers – and lose business as a result.

6. Take everything personally – this triggers offensive and defensive cycles and causes people to place blame instead of take action.

7. Blame others – this faultfinding exercise generates more blame, paranoia and political gamesmanship.

8. Lose hope – this leads to general hopelessness throughout the organization.

9. Make worrying a habit – this causes fear to spread even more.

10. Don’t take care of themselves – improper diet, lack of sleep and exercise can literally make you sick.