261: How and Why Does Fear Show Up in the Workplace?

This is Part 1 of a two-part episode.

“All of the performance factors that we look for, you know, the outcomes we're looking for in teams and organizations are negatively impacted by a fear-based culture.” Renée Smith

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My guest

Renée Smith MSOD is the founder and CEO of A Human Workplace, a global movement, and consultancy committed to making work more human. She led award-winning culture work as a state executive and served in the Governor’s Office as Director of Workplace Transformation for the State of Washington. Renée is a researcher, writer, and speaker who’s reached hundreds of audiences worldwide, making the business case for a human workplace. 

Summary

Renée and I discussed her journey into organizational development and why she started her organization, A Human Workplace, which aims to eliminate fear in the workplace.

Through her research, Renée discovered various fear stories, including

> uncertainty after a change initiative,

> toxic experiences through betrayal and loss of trust, and

> public shaming, harassment, and discrimination.

These fear experiences can originate from leaders and team members and have significant physical and emotional consequences for individuals. Fear-based cultures can also harm organizations through reduced productivity and higher turnover rates.

Social Links

Websites

AHumanWorkplace.com (Company)

MakeWorkMoreHuman.com/blogposts

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneesmith-ahumanworkplace/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-human-workplace/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reneesmithspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/ahumanworkplace/

Referenced

The Asshole Survival Guide

The No Asshole Rule


Show Credits

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