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Increase trust, reduce fear

“The most critical challenge for any organization is to enlarge the circle of trust.”

Command-and-control systems reflect a deep mistrust of employees’ commitment and competence. They also tend to overemphasize sanctions as a way of forcing compliance. That’s why so many organizations are filled with anxious employees who are hesitant to take the initiative or trust their own judgment. Organizational adaptability, innovation, and employee engagement can only thrive in a high-trust, low-fear culture. In such an environment, information is widely shared, contentious opinions are freely expressed, and risk taking is encouraged. Fear paralyzes, mistrust demoralizes—they must be wrung out of our management systems.

124 Stories
236 Hacks
22 Barriers

Increase trust, reduce fear

“The most critical challenge for any organization is to enlarge the circle of trust.”

Command-and-control systems reflect a deep mistrust of employees’ commitment and competence. They also tend to overemphasize sanctions as a way of forcing compliance. That’s why so many organizations are filled with anxious employees who are hesitant to take the initiative or trust their own judgment. Organizational adaptability, innovation, and employee engagement can only thrive in a high-trust, low-fear culture. In such an environment, information is widely shared, contentious opinions are freely expressed, and risk taking is encouraged. Fear paralyzes, mistrust demoralizes—they must be wrung out of our management systems.

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A story of how one brave company blended work and play and achieved an unmatched level of performance.
Story by Matt Shlosberg on June 7, 2010
This hack looks at how some of the unique attributes commonly found in “techie” type people working within high-technology organisations present additional challenges for leadership development.
Hack by Grant McIvor on September 20, 2011
Fundamental infrastructure innovations must overcome a steeper than normal entry barrier. The market-place considers them an avoidable adventure regardless of need. Early adopters are rare.
Story by Raj Kumar on September 5, 2010
When feedback meets criteria that aligns with brain operations, (such as optimizing the brain's chemical and electrical circuitry), people grow from others' wisdom. The opposite is also true.
Barrier by Ellen Weber on October 14, 2010
People who conclude that more money is needed before they can launch innovative projects, may be asking the wrong question.
Story by Ellen Weber on July 20, 2010

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