Advice for how to encourage a culture of empowerment at all levels when your teams have been in environments where they’re scared and stressed if they make mistakes because of how they’ve been treated in the past? Can tell some of my team are really scared to open up to me about what’s going on / how they’re feeling about tasks set because of my grade and I never want to be a leader people fear ☹️

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Takes time to build trust, and your actions have to match your words. We joke that my department is group therapy because so many of my people came over with work-related trauma. I told them I would always back them up and discuss any problems in private. I also asked them how they preferred to be recognized (group email, privately, group chat)

like

I’ve always told my team that any mistake they’ve made, I’ve done it before. We are all human, but please don’t hide it and don’t worry or stress about it, let’s fix it and figure out what we can put in place to keep it from happening again. I am also of the philosophy of there are no stupid questions, just stupid people who don’t ask questions.

likefunny

Loving these ideas and perspectives - really appreciate it all!

like

There are a couple things that have worked for me in the past.

First is follow through - if they can trust you’ll do what you say, then that builds the foundation.

Second, is don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know - lead by example, if you want them feel open then you have to be open. My favorite phrase is “let’s learn together”.

Third is team building - I have done quick virtual lunches that include games, get to know you, crafting, or anything else fun for 30 minutes and I fund the lunch and activity. Another alternative is coffee chats - no work talk at all! Just exchange stories for 15 minutes. Having these on a quarterly cadence, one on one and also in groups, really helps elevate their trust. I think the recurring cadence of these is important because structure leads back to the first point - trust that you follow through.

like

I like the “let’s learn together”. There are many times when one of my team has a question and we venture down the rabbit hole together…

likeuplifting

This will take time. I totally commend you for the honorable approach!!! More teams need leaders like you! In my experience it just takes time... and instances to prove that you live out what you preach and that you are a manager and a leader that is there to empower and teach and help grow and NOT to reprimand. You will gain that trust, just keep your endurance up and keep doing what you know is right with your teams!

like

Related Posts

My manager (unknowingly) messaged me on Grindr. What should I do now?

funnylike

Scheduling added another S3 (my level) to my engagement but acting as a manager, while I’ve been on this engagement for a few years and getting great reviews. My ego is shot and I’m insulted. Advice?

I’m still trying to process seeing an agency exec well known for dismissing and ignoring POC held up as an exemplary diversity champion for women at the 3% Conference.

likesmart

I have seen that Some people are seriously demeaning Publicis Sapient looks like they have a personal grudge. I would suggest to connect with your HR and manager in PS or look for right people on LinkedIn.

likefunny

The counsellor who I was assigned is my SM. But now SM is asking to change counsellor to my manager suddenly before appraisal. They are saying HR mistakenly assigned SM as counsellor while joining.This is common? I just want to resign frm gds

like

How would you recommend tackling a middle manager bad mouthing to team members and seniors despite having left the job? I worked as a consultant at a globally reputed firm but with a terrible, mind draining team culture — now the middle manager is bad mouthing and of course not communicating her inability to manage her own time, leading to work calls at 10 pm in night and abusive language at work.

like

Invited to a recruiting/networking session for an analyst level role at a Bain Capital. Excuse my naivete, but is business professional (full suit) the expectation here? Unfortunately my only well fitting suit was torn recently so trying to see if I can get away with another outfit

like

Wife sent me unsolicited nudes while I was at work today (I know, she's a keeper) but my director was standing behind me when i opened the text. Talk about awkward.

like

Dear Nappily Ever After,
No one has an office, much less an assistant. Creative and account are different jobs with their own dress codes. But dumb, off brief ideas by white creatives do win.

like

Do ZS Associates Indian BOA/DAA freshers wear suits in their first 2 years or shirts?

What is considered business casual in SF? Is it suit with no tie or Polo and chinos?

like

Attending a company holiday party where they're doing a white elephant gift exchange. I barely know anyone except through emails and IMs given that most of us WFH. Fun but office appropriate gift ideas $30 or under?

like

What are effective ways to ensure your team feels content within the workplace? There is a rise of many people feeling undervalued and not cared for as an employee. I would like to change that. No matter the job, no one should feel less than.

like

Happy Halloween! Who says Financial Professionals are not creative? Share what you dressed up as for work today?

like

I think there should be more males caretakers in this world. Some of my clients just feel more comfortable with a guy and it's kind of sad how often they say I'm the only male they could find.

like

How does one deal with a manager who always thinks negative of people and never has anything nice to say about anyone? When I first met her she was really cool. Promoted me,and then became a completely different person.

like

When do you think associates are usually let go in small practice groups that are currently being overwhelmed with work? Is it when it starts to slows down or when they already have a candidate to replace you? Just trying to figure out how long I have after annoying a partner 😂.

off-topic:
in office have you seen any girl wear nosepin?

like

Pretty tired of smart women undermining each other, especially seniors doing it to juniors. Why the hell is the first instinct to attack&destroy? Not into kumbayas but more into having my peer's back.

like

How do you deal with making mistakes at work? I’ve been doing good work lately but there’s one partner who thinks I’m mistake prone and I just made a mistake on something he asked me to do, but I corrected it quickly. However, there is public record of my mistake.

like

More Posts

How much salary does jp pay to promoted associates in India? Which are not in tech

like

Hey Folks can anyone tell me what hike we can expect from Senior 2 Year 1 to year 2 as progression in Ey gds in coming incremental cycle.

like

Target corporation's quarterly profits fell by nearly 90% amidst slowdown in US .. It has reported last 2 quarter negetive growth.

Is it a good idea to join Target Bangalore office. Please provide your suggestions

Walmart Hi Fishes! I am currently working in walmart as a product Analyst and am in the last round of interview for some other companies. Could you guide me with the compensation I should be asking from these companies? Current TC: 36lpa
Fixed: 28lpa
YoE: 7years 4months

like

Hi, I have an offer with Horizontal Integration, client is Target, but Horizontal's payroll.

Is it good to accept this offer? I'm considering WLB and job security.

How far would market have to dip before your FIRE plans are altered? I feel my plans are pushed from about 2 years away to 6 or so

like

How do people feel about their new compensation statements?

like

What are my options to negotiate better salary without an MBA as a M-3, Seattle, Tech, now@150k?
1. Boomerang
2. Get a better offer & ask to match
3. Speak directly with HR/senior leadership

like

Anyone at EY know about VBM practice and SM comp?

like

6 years exp at Investment Banking IT group, will be hired as SC at EY Advisory SF office. How much i should ask?

like

Interviewing at Deloitte for the position of Retail/Consumer Data Management Manager in a T2 city. What's the expected salary, is 190k too much to ask for?

like

What are some negotiation scripts you people have used to negotiate a higher salary after the initial offer?

like
like

What are your thoughts on APICS CSCP certification? Is it truly worth the time? Industrial engineer with 2 YOE, looking for advise on whether is a good investment or not. Thanks!

like

What levels can an MBB EM exit to for S&O roles at companies like Google? Rest of FAANG? Thanks! The level schemes confuse me (compared to titles)

like

Looking for an average overview of weekly hours in PWM at each level? Any insight appreciated. NYC-based, preferably

like

I'm a relatively new pharmacist and it's hard seeing so much negative feedback about this career path. Does anyone here have sage words of wisdom or actually genuinely enjoy what they do anymore?

like

WoW classic anyone? I want to get into it but might not have time till this weekend

like

When my portfolio was going nuts 🚀💰 made over $100k profit last year and on same process this year.

Post Photo
like

Can someone help me calculate my in hand salary on this offer.
Thanks in advance.

Post Photo
like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal