Creating Trusting Environments: Unapologetic Transformations

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#9) Don’t leave out constructive criticism but do it with a well thought-through approach.

One of the biggest disservices we do to our people revolves around providing constructive criticism. We either don’t provide it when it’s needed, or we overstate it when it isn’t necessary. So how do you know when and how to provide critical feedback? At Unapologetic we’d say it’s going to depend...

Creating Trusting Environments: Unapologetic Transformations

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#8). Show them You Can Handle the Truth, but Expect a Plan B

Nothing is worse as a leader than coming to the realization that your team has been dishonest with you. They’ve been hiding things, telling half-truths, or flat out lying.

Then consider the reason for their dishonesty is because they don’t think you can handle the truth. We must showcase that we can in fact handle bad news. In your consistent (and balanced) actions and responses, you empower them to be forthright and forthcoming. When employees trust that their leaders will react constructively to the truth, they're more likely to be honest and proactive. This foundation of trust can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation, ultimately driving the success of your organization.

Creating Trusting Environments: Unapologetic Transformations

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#7) DEMONSTRATE Vulnerability

Demonstrating vulnerability in the workplace is not only a display of authenticity but also a catalyst for fostering psychological safety and cultivating trust among team members. By normalizing imperfection and acknowledging mistakes as natural aspects of professional growth, leaders create an environment where individuals feel comfortable admitting their own shortcomings without fear of judgment.

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#6) HOW you say something matters as much as what you say

In the realm of professional communication, the way you convey a message is just as crucial as the message itself – perhaps even more so. One of my favorite mentors used to always tell me: "There's nothing you cannot say, but there is always another way to say something." TThis wisdom underscores the importance of thoughtful articulation, emphasizing that silence can often breed mistrust in the workplace AND that words have lasting impact.

Jan 26

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#5). Breed Psychological Safety

Let’s start with a rundown of what psychological safety means. It’s become quite the buzzword, but in practice means delivering a few crucial needs to your employees. At the heart of the concept, team members who report feeling psychologically safe in the workplace feel confident they can:

This is a continued conversation from 12/15. If you missed the previous pillars, we would encourage you to go back and follow along for our full content on this discussion!

#4). Be in ALL Rooms, Not Just the Boardroom.

Building on last week’s conversation on the importance of showing the human side of you as a leader, we’re going to talk about the importance of finding time to be in other rooms with your team, than just the boardrooms (or Zoom “rooms”).