Workplaces around the world rely more and more on collaborative teamwork. As leaders, alignment and clear communication is critical as teams execute and do work together. Making sure all involved speak up is therefore important. However, leaders need to think about what prevents employees from speaking up. This may include members whose culture equates silence with respect. Others may be concerned about the power differentials between managers and employees. In fact, learned silence is often a survival strategy for many people in the workplace. Asking “What do you think?” may not elicit any response if the level of trust is low. It may feel like a trap instead. Employees often wonder, “Do they really want to know? What are the repercussions if I say something they don’t want to hear?” This podcast drew inspiration from “How to Get Your Team to Actually Speak Up”, by Elaine Lin Hering, Harvard Business Review June 10, 2024.
Tuesdays with Gordon: How To Get Your Team To Actually Speak Up
