by Ulla Sommerfelt, author of “Firesoul Leadership: An Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for Fueling Growth, Igniting Creativity, and Crafting a Culture of Compassion“
A culture of fear can be toxic not only for employees but also for leaders. An anxious workforce can undermine the potential of an entire organization, especially during critical start-up and scale-up phases. Common complaints include micromanagement, disrespect, and a lack of transparency from management. Employees who feel this way are unlikely to take bold, creative risks or feel personally invested in the company’s success. This can lead to high turnover, poor product quality, and declining revenue, creating significant challenges for leaders.
The solution to this fear-based environment is to foster a culture of psychological safety. By creating a workplace where team members can be themselves, you empower them to take innovative risks that can propel your company forward.
Here are some tips for cultivating a culture that both you and your employees will appreciate:
Build Trust.
Trust is fundamental to psychological safety. The more your team can rely on you and believe in your words, the more comfortable they will feel in their roles. Transparency is key to building trust. If you frequently close your office door during meetings, employees may wonder what’s happening. Are those meetings relevant to them? Is the company financially stable? Are layoffs possible? By being open and sharing information, you help your team feel secure and valued.
Encourage Mistakes.
Many people are raised to avoid mistakes at all costs, but making errors is essential for learning and improvement. A strong fear of failure can prevent your team from experimenting with new ideas and strategies. Encourage your team to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes. Help them let go of any shame associated with past decisions. Create an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed, allowing everyone to feel safe in sharing their experiences.
Model Desired Behavior.
As a leader, you set the standard for your team. The best way to encourage ideal behavior is to model it yourself. If you want your team to own their mistakes, start by sharing your own. If you want them to be open and vulnerable, share your ideas, experiences, and concerns. Demonstrating the behaviors you wish to see will help build trust and respect within your team.
Co-Create Your Culture.
The foundation of your company culture is built on its purpose, values, rituals, and behaviors. While you, as a leader, guide the ship, it’s essential to involve your entire team in shaping the culture. Seek their input to create policies that they are not only comfortable with but also passionate about. When employees feel they are part of something meaningful, they are more likely to invest in the company’s success. Organize meetings, workshops, and events to collaboratively develop a shared vision.
Have Fun with Your Team.
Building a culture of psychological safety is challenging if every interaction revolves around work. While you don’t want to overwhelm your team with events, creating opportunities for socializing can strengthen bonds. Consider having lunch together every Friday or organizing annual staff outings focused on personal connections. When team members enjoy time together outside of work, they are more likely to bring positive energy into the workplace.
By prioritizing psychological safety, you can create a net-positive company culture that benefits everyone. Your team will feel relaxed, respected, connected, and free to be creative. They will likely share their enthusiasm about working for you, which is every leader’s dream.
Ulla Sommerfelt is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and keynote speaker with a passion for helping organizations create impactful change. Her company, EGGS, is one of the most successful design houses in Scandinavia. Her book “Firesoul Leadership: An Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for Fueling Growth, Igniting Creativity, and Crafting a Culture of Compassion” offers invaluable insights for leaders looking to transform their workplaces. Learn more at FiresoulLeadership.com.
