Fear is undoubtedly one of the greatest obstacles to many candidates that I meet. The fear of the unknown, the fear of change, the fear of loss, the fear of embarrassment, the fear of failure - the list could go on and on. While fear can be an ally in certain circumstances, it is almost always an obstacle to be overcome. So how does one do that courageously?
My first recommendation would be to face and embrace the fear. There certainly is some inherent risk with reaching out to another employer while currently employed with another company. It is likely, however, that on some level you are not happy with your current situation. Otherwise you would not consider making a move in the first place. Really spend some time thinking about why you are looking to leave, embrace the idea that there could be problems with a new employer as well, and begin early on building out a pros and cons list. If the fear of leaving is stronger than the possibility of a greener pasture on the other side of the fence, perhaps now is not the time to enter into a job search or interview with other companies.
Next I would consider the risk factors involved. Will my current employer find out that I am looking for another job? What will they do to me if they read an email or someone sees me out interviewing at a restaurant or coffee shop? You must be able to reconcile this if you are looking to interview for another job. While there is no foolproof way to prevent your current employer from finding out, there are certainly precautions you can take. Don't use your work email for communication. Don't check your personal email on work time and on a work computer. Don't tell colleagues about your search, even if you think you can trust them implicitly. They might slip up and let something out inadvertently with no bad intentions. Ask the employer you are talking with to please keep the conversation confidential. Again, there is no 100% way to know something won't come out, but again if you weigh the risk/reward ahead of time and plan accordingly, things will go much more smoothly.
Another way to mitigate some of the risk or fear is to speak to a trusted advisor, business mentor, or good friend about your intentions to engage in a search. If you can really trust one of these individuals, they will hopefully provide you with objective advice. Sometimes hearing the truth hurts a little, but coming from someone you believe in could really help in developing your search strategy. Oftentimes I even talk with candidates that I am not directly representing about how to handle turns and twists in the search process. No two searches are alike, but over time I have learned some tips to navigate a bumpy and windy road.
Lastly, at some point realize that you just have to go for it. If you really believe in something, you can control your own destiny. I read an article about Ali and the author argued that Ali's legacy was GREATER because he stood up for something he believed in and did not enter the draft in the late 60s. It hurt his professional growth at the time as he was banned from boxing for three years. But in retrospect history is showing he was even more of a figure in our minds because of that decision. I am certain he thought of all the advantages and disadvantages to his decision, spoke with those he trusted, made a decision, and went for it. One of his other famous quotes is "It's the lack of faith that makes people afraid of meetings challenges, and I believe in myself."
If you believe in yourself, the idea of "going for it" should not be something to be afraid of. Be courageous and bank on yourself. It could be the best thing you have going for you!
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