Want to build a safe, engaging culture? Use science!

Employees who know they needn't be afraid of you or worry about being judged likely feel safe, and maintaining an atmosphere of respectful communication can keep it that way, leadership coach Lolly Daskal writes. Encouraging open dialogue among everyone promotes inclusivity, another way Daskal suggests to help workers feel safe.

Put it into practice: Practice being approachable and building relationships. Active listening can help, as can transparency and asking others to speak up, Daskal notes.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, NBA legend and chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, joined Walmart US President John Furner at NRF 2024: Retail's Big Show to share thoughts on success, hard work, giving back, maintaining the right mindset and choosing the right team that's focused on winning. "I only hire people like that -- the same type of mindset, the same type of dedication, the same type of discipline, the same type of focus."

A collie mix found its way home to Silverton, Ore., from 3,000 miles away in Indiana; a blind fox terrier walked between his old and new homes every week; a German shepherd dog found his way home to Solingen, Germany, after being lost 1,200 miles away in southern Italy. Scientists aren't sure how these and other dogs found their way home after being lost in faraway places, but a recent study did find that some dogs use Earth's north-south magnetic axis as a guide.

In the course of my career, I have encountered unsafe working environments. My boss at a radio station came to blows with one of the other news anchors and verbally and mentally bullied everyone else on the staff, including me. The vice president of the department I worked for at a Georgia university was so officious and micro-managing that no one dared speak up or offer suggestions for improving the office culture.

Today's issue offers excellent advice on creating a culture of openness and collegiality. Randy Brazie and Geoffrey VanderPal suggest using the science of Polyvagal Theory to allay our fight, flight and freeze tendencies and create a space for collaboration. At the same time, Lolly Daskal offers seven strategies to make the office culture more transparent, inclusive, and safe.

Have you encountered toxic cultures? How did -- or do -- you cope? Have you experienced an open, safe and collegial culture? How was it created? Let me know!

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