Overcoming Our Evolutionary Fears of Speaking Up to Authority

$17.00

Most modern, progressive companies pride themselves on their culture of inclusion and equality, where everyone is on the same level and all ideas are listened to. But even these companies have meetings during which some employees prefer to stay silent throughout, including any time they might have something relevant and valuable to say. If we can understand the psychology of why this kind of defensive behavior is so common and take steps to alleviate it, we can get closer to including everyone’s ideas. New research from Pennsylvania State University’s Smeal College of Business, Cornell University, and Harvard Business School examines the primal yet complex emotion of fear. Specific attention is given to its impact on workplace silence, asserting there to be two factors of influence which are overlooked: evolution and past experiences. By appreciating the subtleties of where the fear comes from, you will be able to help people overcome their fear to speak up when they have something to say. It’s not only those leaders and managers who are overbearing or intimidating that should take notice: this course is for all people in positions of authority. If you’re sensitive to the different inhibitions your staff might have and you work with them to develop better communication, You’ll reap the rewards of their positive engagement.