Inviting employees to bring their “whole selves” to work sounds inspiring—and it is. But it’s also complex. When people feel free to express who they are, teams gain depth, creativity and stronger connections. Yet with that authenticity comes a mix of sometimes conflicting perspectives, beliefs and emotions.
Great leaders know the goal isn’t to avoid or hide these differences, but to create an environment where they can coexist with empathy and respect. Here, 15 Forbes Coaches Council members explain how to foster open communication and self-expression while keeping psychological safety at the heart of your workplace environment.
1. Embrace Curiosity And Growth
Encourage employees and teams to embrace curiosity and growth. It is absolutely important to be authentic and bring your whole self to work, and it is equally as important to understand what makes someone else unique. It’s about exploring, together, both perspectives and how they can contribute to the whole team and organization. Diverging beliefs, when explored openly, lead to innovation. – Kristy Busija, Next Conversation Consulting