How to Foster a Speak-Up Culture

Last week I mentioned implementing programs like "Food for Thought" to encourage brainstorming and outside-the-box thinking, as it relates to creating a culture of communication and feedback. Before the pandemic, I used to bring in breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack and call the meeting Food for Thought where I would get feedback from the team on what is going well and what are the opportunities for improvement. Here are some ideas to incorporate this in a #hybridworkforce: ✅ Virtual Coffee Chats: Schedule virtual coffee sessions where team members can gather online and have casual conversations. This informal setting encourages open discussions and allows for sharing ideas and feedback. ✅ Collaborative Document Sharing/ Online Idea Forums: Utilize collaborative document-sharing tools such as Google Docs or Microsoft Teams to encourage real-time collaboration. Team members can contribute their ideas, provide feedback, and collectively work on projects or problem-solving tasks. ✅ Virtual Brainstorming Sessions: Conduct virtual brainstorming sessions using video conferencing tools. Facilitate interactive discussions where team members can share their ideas and engage in creative problem-solving exercises. ✅ Surveys and Polls: Use online survey tools to gather feedback from team members on specific topics or projects. Surveys can be anonymous to ensure open and honest responses, and the results can be shared and discussed during team meetings. ✅ Virtual Team Building Activities: Organize virtual team-building activities that encourage collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. These activities can include virtual escape rooms, online trivia games, or team challenges that promote communication and thinking outside the box. Remember, the key is to provide opportunities for active participation and engagement, regardless of the physical location of team members. By embracing technology and fostering a culture of open communication, you can create a collaborative environment conducive to generating new ideas and seeking feedback. Which idea do you like the most? #hybridsales #communication #culture #hybridwork

As business leaders, we understand the importance of gathering customer insights to enhance their experience. But let's remember the incredible value within your internal team. Years ago, I was an executive for a company that had a software solution to do just this.  I think we too often focus on our customers without focusing on one’s internal team.  I was reminded of this recently after I completed several meetings with groups of managers across our pharmacy and customer service teams.  There were a ton of new and innovative ideas as well as general areas of improvement.   Here are a couple of easy cultural habits to collect feedback across your organization, including: ✅ Regular Check-ins: Establish a culture of open communication through regular check-ins and team meetings. Encourage feedback and provide a platform for expressing opinions and ideas.  For example, company-wide town halls are a great way to do this. ✅ Anonymous Surveys: Create opportunities for anonymous surveys to encourage honest and unbiased feedback. This allows employees to share their thoughts without fear of repercussions.  You can buy software for this or even use free solutions from Survey Monkey or Google Forms. ✅ Team Meetings: Conduct periodic team focus groups, or “skip-level” (meaning skipping the team member’s boss) one-on-one interviews. This ensures that different communication preferences and comfort levels are accommodated. ✅ Actionable Insights: Actively listen to the feedback received and take action. Communicate transparently about the outcomes and the steps being taken to address any concerns raised. Remember, that your internal team is the backbone of your organization. Listening to your team as much as your customers is a great way to find innovative, issues, as well as to reinforce your cultural values.  #EmployeeEngagement #InternalTeamFeedback #ListeningCulture #ContinuousImprovement

Leadjitsu leaders don't wing it. Respect is not something you can touch, yet when it is missing, it reverberates through the team. In my years of leadership, I've seen countless examples of a lack of respect for others. I'll share some examples tomorrow. For now, I want to share a Story From the Leadjitsu Dojo. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 Once upon a time, in a bustling corporate office, there was a team led by Sarah, known for her sharp skills but not for her people management. The team was diverse and talented but increasingly disengaged. The root cause? A lack of respect and feeling undervalued. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 Mike, a creative designer, felt his ideas were constantly overlooked. Anita, a diligent coder, felt undervalued. The team meetings were a monologue of Sarah’s ideas, with little room for others to contribute. They'd just stopped sharing altogether. The atmosphere was tense, and productivity was plummeting. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 Sarah knew things were not going well, but she couldn't quite pinpoint the problem. When she asked, the team just said things were fine. One day, Sarah attended a seminar on 'Dojo Respect' – a concept from the Leadjitsu Leader's Code, emphasizing the importance of respect in leadership, akin to the reverence shown in a martial arts dojo. Intrigued, Sarah decided to implement this in her team. It wasn't easy. It required Sarah to change her approach and it was not the least bit comfortable. Here are a few steps Sarah took in 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐣𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 1. Increased Active Listening: Sarah started by actively listening to her team members. In the next meeting, she encouraged everyone to share their ideas. Mike’s innovative design approach was acknowledged and implemented, boosting his confidence. She reminded herself to talk less and listen more. 2. Acknowledged Contributions: Anita’s coding skills were recognized in a genuine and heartfelt team email, highlighting how her work streamlined a major project. This public acknowledgment was unexpected and welcome. Anita felt proud and valued. 3. Encouraged Open Communication: Sarah established a 'no interruption' rule in meetings, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard. If Sarah started to interrupt, she stopped and apologized. She thanked the team when they finished. This open communication led to more collaborative and creative solutions. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 The transformation was remarkable. The team that once felt unheard and undervalued now thrived in an environment of mutual respect and collaboration. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 'Respect' isn't just a word; it's the foundation of effective leadership. 'Dojo Respect' isn't just a concept; it's a solution to one of the most common workplace challenges. When leaders like Sarah embrace it, they don't just change the dynamics of their team; they unlock its full potential. Share your examples of Dojo Respect.. or lack of it! #executivesandmanagement #leadershipdevelopment

Growing up, I was taught that silence was a virtue and speaking up was often seen as a sign of disrespect. This belief was deeply ingrained in me, shaping my interactions and professional demeanor. As a nurse, I carried this silence with me, believing that my role was to listen and follow, never to question or suggest. However, my journey abroad has been an eye-opener, challenging these long-held beliefs and transforming my understanding of communication in a professional setting. I've learned that speaking up is not only a right but a necessity, especially in healthcare. And these are just a few of the many reasons why: 👊 As nurses, we are on the front lines of patient care. Our observations and insights are crucial for patient safety and well-being. Speaking up can mean the difference between a minor issue and a critical situation. It's about advocating for those in our care, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment. 👊 Silence can limit our growth and learning. By asking questions and sharing our thoughts, we engage in a continuous learning process, enhancing our skills and knowledge. This not only benefits our career development but also improves the quality of care we provide. 👊 Effective healthcare relies on teamwork. Speaking up fosters open communication and collaboration among team members. It encourages a culture of mutual respect and shared goals, where every voice is valued and contributes to the collective success. 👊 By choosing to speak up, we challenge outdated norms and contribute to a positive shift in workplace culture. We pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and encouraged. I've come to realize that speaking up doesn't have to be disrespectful. It's about how we communicate our ideas and concerns—respectfully, constructively, and empathetically. It's about breaking the silence that holds us back and embracing our voice as a powerful tool for change. To my fellow nurses and healthcare professionals who may share a similar background or have faced similar challenges: YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Do not be scared to speak up. Our profession, our patients, and we ourselves stand to benefit immensely from our courage to communicate openly. Let's transform our silence into strength. Together, we can make a difference. #Nursing #Empowerment #Healthcare #PatientSafety #ProfessionalGrowth #Teamwork #SpeakUp #NurseLife #NursesOnLinkedin

🧠✨ Creating Safe Spaces Starts with Us One of the most powerful things we can offer our teams is psychological safety — the feeling that they can speak up, challenge the status quo, admit mistakes, and share bold ideas without fear of judgement or repercussions. In today’s fast-paced world, where innovation, collaboration, and agility are key, the foundation for all of that is TRUST. I’ve learned that creating a speak-up culture isn’t just about saying “my door is always open.” It’s about showing that vulnerability and openness are not weaknesses, but leadership strengths. Here’s how I try to support my team: 💬 Model transparency — I share when I’ve made a mistake, what I’ve learned, and how I’ll do better. 🤝 Invite challenge — I actively ask for feedback and encourage different perspectives. 🚫 De-shame failure — Mistakes are part of learning. We talk about them not to assign blame, but to grow. 🧭 Set the tone — Meetings aren’t just about KPIs. They’re also about connection, clarity, and creating space to ask “What’s not working?” If we want innovation, accountability, and real collaboration, we need to normalize imperfection — and support our people in using their voice confidently and safely. What strategies have worked for you in building a culture of trust and openness? I’d love to hear and learn from others. #Leadership #SpeakUpCulture #PsychologicalSafety #GrowthMindset #LeadingWithEmpathy #TeamSuccess #FailureIsFeedback