---
title: "The silent killer of productivity"
description: "You have invested in the best tools, hired top talent and even included wellness programmes. Yet something is not right. Teams are not performing…"
language: en
source: https://thehouseofcoaching.com/en/de-stille-moordenaar-van-productiviteit
---

# The silent killer of productivity

![Speak up!](https://thehouseofcoaching.com/media/e2d4cf0b35ec728c.webp)

You have invested in the best tools, hired top talent and even included wellness programmes. Yet something is not right. Teams are not performing optimally, creativity has never been so low and stress levels are shooting up. What could you be missing?

### When fear rules the office

Imagine a workplace where employees hesitate to speak their minds, where the fear of making mistakes stands in the way of innovation and where job satisfaction is just a buzzword. It is not a lack of skills or resources holding you back; it is the absence of psychological safety. Research shows that when employees do not feel safe to speak up, the consequences are severe for both individual well-being and organisational performance.

### A safe space is more than a trend

Elmira Nijhuis from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Amy Edmondson, a leading expert in the field of psychological safety, both agree: a psychologically safe environment is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Their research shows that teams with a high level of psychological safety are more engaged, more innovative and ultimately more successful.

### Building the culture

So, how do you turn things around? Start by creating an environment where everyone from interns to executives feels heard and valued. Encourage an open dialogue, celebrate mistakes as learning moments and train leaders to be more than just taskmasters. By making psychological safety a cornerstone of your organisational culture, you do not just improve the working environment; you lay the foundation for unprecedented growth and innovation.

Psychological safety is more than a feel-good concept; it is a strategic advantage. By integrating it into the DNA of your organisation, you do not just solve a problem, but you unlock a world of untapped potential.

### Speak-up: a four-step framework to unlock untapped potential

You have recognised the importance of psychological safety, but how do you actually implement it? Here is a simple yet effective four-step framework to encourage open dialogue and promote psychological safety during meetings.

#### The Check-In: Clear the way for open dialogue

Imagine starting a team meeting to discuss a new project. Instead of diving straight into the agenda, you start with a check-in. You ask each team member to share how they feel about the project or what concerns they have. This simple act sets the tone for an open and inclusive discussion, making everyone feel comfortable to share their views.

#### The Check-Up: Learn active listening

As the meeting progresses, the facilitator uses the LSD technique (Listen, Summarise and Dig deeper). After a team member has proposed a risky but innovative marketing strategy, the facilitator summarises the idea and asks clarifying questions to ensure everyone understands the proposal. This not only validates the team member's contribution, but also ensures that decisions are made based on a clear understanding of all perspectives.

#### The Check-Out: We Agree to Disagree

Suppose the meeting gets heated over budget allocations. Opinions are divided and it is clear that no agreement will be reached today. Instead of letting the tension linger, you initiate a check-out. You give everyone the chance to express their final thoughts and agree to disagree for now. This prevents gossip after the meeting and ensures that all viewpoints have been acknowledged.

#### The Follow-Up: Turn words into action

The team decides to go ahead with a new marketing campaign. Instead of leaving it at a meeting, a follow-up is scheduled to track the progress of the campaign. Specific tasks are assigned, deadlines are set and a follow-up meeting is planned. This shows the team that their input has led to real, actionable results.

### Empower your team to Speak-up!

By incorporating these four steps into your meetings, you do more than just pay lip service to the idea of psychological safety. You actively create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute, leading to more innovative solutions and a more engaged team.

*By Steff Vanhaverbeke*