12 Ways to Fight Fear in the Workplace

1. Clarify your expectations. Let people know what is wanted.



2. Distinguish between technical and ethical transgressions. As one firm said, "If you make a technical mistake, we train you. If you make a a values mistake, we get rid of you."



3. Discuss values. It's a mistake to assume that leadership by example is sufficient. Leaders need to talk about values and why they are important.



4. Don't tolerate discourtesy. Emphasize that people can disagree without being disagreeable and the true professional behaves appropriately even when he or she doesn't feel like it.



5. Fire bullies...even if they are otherwise good workers.



6. Discourage gossip. Fear can be contagious and it is often spread through the grapevine.



7. Provide training and coaching. Let employees know that you will give them ample opportunities to develop their skills.



8. Ask employees about practices that should be initiated, expanded, or curtailed.



9. Listen to the "non-corporate types." Even the eccentrics can have good ideas and sometimes they're the first ones to spot problems.



10. Avoid both rash and belated disciplinary actions. Slow down and take the time to coordinate matters with expert advisors but don't surprise employees by taking action after a sizable delay has indicated there was not a performance problem.



11. Discourage factions. Make it crystal clear that there are no second class team members.



12. Fight NETMA ["Nobody Ever Tells Me Anything"] by promptly communicating accurate news, be it good or bad.