Synopses & Reviews
Focuses on the missing ingredient in the quality movement--the human element--and is filled with many practical suggestions and insights on how to unleash the creative talent and ideas of the vast majority of people who live and work on four of their eight cylinders, primarily out of fear.--Stephen R. Covey, Ph.D., author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
This widely-praised book shows managers and executives how to eliminate fear, encourage quality performance, and increase corporate competitiveness.
You'll discover:
- How fear prevents people from doing their best
- How fear operates in organizations
- The repercussions of speaking up
- How to build relationships without fear
This work is a timely antidote to the insecurities of workers faced with the pervasive push toward leaner, meaner organizations. Let this practical guide show you how to create a high-trust workplace without fear.
Review
"It has been tough to get a handle on fear, let alone find something specific to do about ituntil now. This book changes all that." —from the foreword by Joshua Hammond, president, American Quality Foundation
"Focuses on the missing ingredient in the quality movementthe human elementand is filled with many practical suggestions and insights on how to unleash the creative talent and ideas of the vast majority of people who live and work on four of their eight cylinders, primarily out of fear." —Stephen R. Covey, author, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
"Gets to the heart of one of the most dysfunctional issues in industry today. Any leader or manager can profit from reading this book." —John E. Gherty, president and CEO, Land O'Lakes, Inc.
Synopsis
This widely-praised book shows managers and executives how to eliminate fear at the workplace, encourage quality employee performance, and increase corporate competitiveness. In it, you'll learn how fear prevents people from doing their best, how it operates in organizations, and how to build a high-trust workplace devoid of fear. A timely antidote to the insecurities of workers faced with the pervasive push toward leaner, meaner organizations.
About the Author
DANIEL K. OESTREICH are principals in Cultures for Quality, a management and organizational development consulting firm in Washington State. They are known for their work in team development, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement.
Table of Contents
Part One: The Dynamics of Fear
1. How Fear Prevents People From Doing Their Best
2. The Boundaries of Fear
Part Two: How Fear Operates in Organizations
3. Undiscussables: Secrets That Everyone Knows
4. The Repercussions of Speaking Up
5. The High Cost of Fear
6. Behaviors That Create Fear
7. Cycles of Mistrust That Perpetuate Fear
Part Three: Strategies for a High-Trust Work Environment
8. Build Relationships Without Fear
9. Acknowledge the Presence of Fear
10. Pay Attention to Interpersonal Conduct
11. Value Criticism: Reward the Messenger
12. Reduce Ambiguous Behavior
13. Discuss the Undiscussables
14. Collaborate on Decisions
15. Challenge Worst-Case Thinking
Part Four: Conclusion: Creating a Quality Organization
16. People Are Ready for a Workplace Without Fear