Ask a manager what’s the hardest part of the job and many these days are likely to say it’s dealing with fearful employees who play it safe at all costs.
Fear of being labeled, fear of their managers, fear of retaliation, and fear of losing their jobs all topped a recent study as to why workers don’t speak up.
But for businesses looking to grow and stay ahead of competition, this silence can come at a financial cost.
“I think it’s more often the case that leaders stoke people’s fears,” Mr. Treasurer says. “They think that ‘if I can just make people afraid enough then they are going to be conscientious enough to do a good job.’
“But in the long run, fear has a detrimental impact on safety, on performance, on morale. If all you’re doing is stoking people’s fears, you’re going to get exactly the opposite impact on what you’re wanting in terms of productivity.”
Our guest on this CVBT Audio Interview podcast is workplace expert Bill Treasurer, author of the bestseller “Courage Goes to Work,” which was re-published in May. In the interview, you’ll hear a definition of courage that may surprise you.
