Good Leaders Make Us Feel Safe

In a recent Ted talk, management theorist Simon Sinek shows how members of any type of organization prosper when leaders set a tone of trust and cooperation that lets people feel safe.
 
When leaders make the choice to put the safety of others in the organization first, remarkable things happen, says Sinek—citing as one example the story of a company that avoided layoffs after a financial setback by having each employee take a four-week unpaid furlough. Because everyone felt protected, employees immediately started trading—those who could afford to take more swapping time with those who could afford less. In the end, the company saved $20 million and retained every single worker.
 
When leaders find ways to make people feel valued and secure, the benefit they reap is that people genuinely want to follow them—rather than obey them out of fear. Every organization has heroes—and by making people feel trusted, respected and safe, you can be one.
 
We want to hear: Have you had a leader who made you feel safe, and what was your response? How do you make those you lead feel secure, and how do they respond? To join the conversation, click "comments" on our Community of Practice Forum.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion.

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