During the pandemic, I had the opportunity to work with the executive team of a large tech company that had nearly quadrupled in size. Their financial success was undeniable, but the relentless pace of growth had put the team under extraordinary pressure. Every week brought new hires, constant reorganizations, and the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing landscape. For almost two years, the team had been running on fumes.
Some Felt Secure, Others Deeply Isolated
When I conducted the Fearless Organization Scan with this group, the data showed significant discrepancies in how team members perceived psychological safety. It was clear that while some felt secure and engaged, others were deeply isolated and overwhelmed.
We began the debrief, spending an hour discussing the data and sharing personal experiences. It was during this conversation that something remarkable happened. The CEO, who had largely remained composed, spoke up. He began to share how the last two years had affected him, not just professionally but personally.
He admitted that on some days, as he drove home, he found himself closing his eyes for a few seconds, feeling so overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities that he wished, just for a moment, for the pain to disappear. This was completely unlike anything he had ever felt before in his life.
The Fearless Organization Scan had Uncovered the Deep Cracks that Existed Beneath the Surface
His vulnerability shifted the entire atmosphere in the room. The team suddenly realized that their work together was about more than just keeping up with consumer demand or meeting financial targets and project deadlines. The stress and trauma they had endured needed to be acknowledged and processed. Many of the newer team members hadn’t experienced the earlier days of the company’s rapid growth, and it became clear that healing could only happen if they shared these stories and moved forward together.
From that moment, the level of understanding, compassion, and support on the team transformed. They realized they needed more than just operational strategies; they needed emotional connection. The Fearless Organization Scan had uncovered the deep cracks that existed beneath the surface, and it allowed this team to finally address the human side of their struggles, heal from the past, and rebuild a healthier, more cohesive future.
Not every session uncovers trauma like this one did. Sometimes, the discussions center on communication gaps, team dynamics, or leadership behaviors. But in this case, the weight of unspoken feelings came to the surface in a way that I don’t believe would have been possible without a structured process like this. The Fearless Organization Scan provided a safe space for these conversations, giving the team the permission and framework they needed to truly open up and begin the healing process.
Wondering how your team measures up in terms of psychological safety?
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