Sharepidation
Note: cross-posted at LinkedIn
Sharepidation (noun) A fusion of sharing and trepidation, sharepidation refers to the state or condition in which a person feels anxious, apprehensive, or nervous about disclosing or presenting their work, ideas, or personal creations more widely. This term encapsulates the vulnerable and courageous act of making one’s efforts transparent despite the underlying fear of judgement, criticism, or rejection.
I come across this all of the time in We Are Open Co-op‘s work. People get over it (and flourish!) but it’s a thing. So let’s have a name for it!
Image by Quentin Lagache
That name works. I spotted this in 2013 when I asked an audience in an online talk to add to a whiteboard the barriers to sharing. I’ve reused this multiple times since all the responses are rooted in fear.
https://cogdogblog.com/2013/05/true-stories-of-openness-plays-at-yavapai-college/
I don’t think it’s changed much in 10 years, or perhaps you are better at undoing it.
I think Laura Hilliger’s point that ‘open is an attitude’ helps people understand that (as your life/work demonstrates) openness isn’t a laundry list of things to do. It’s a stance, a mindset, an approach.
Anyone reading this who wants to find out more should have a look at: https://learnwith.weareopen.coop/courses/open-course/