Driving Fear Out of the Workplace

This book argues that fear - specifically the fear of speaking up about problems in the workplace - limits and corrupts employees' performance. Drawing on interview data from over 260 people at twenty-two companies and on their own consulting experience, the authors talk about fear in organizations - why people are afraid to speak up; what they don't talk about at work; and what impact fear has on individuals, their supervisors, and their organizations. Ryan and Oestreich offer a practical vision of what manager-employee relationships can be when people feel free to speak candidly about workplace problems and to come forward with ideas for improvement. They also provide seven strategies to increase quality and competitiveness by creating a work environment free of fear.
 
This book argues that fear - specifically the fear of speaking up about problems in the workplace - limits and corrupts employees' performance. Drawing on interview data from over 260 people at twenty-two companies and on their own consulting experience, the authors talk about fear in organizations - why people are afraid to speak up; what they don't talk about at work; and what impact fear has on individuals, their supervisors, and their organizations. Ryan and Oestreich offer a practical vision of what manager-employee relationships can be when people feel free to speak candidly about workplace problems and to come forward with ideas for improvement. They also provide seven strategies to increase quality and competitiveness by creating a work environment free of fear.