To improve cooperation within a team, a healthy, open dialogue is indispensable. This way the diversity of insights is optimally utilized and people feel sincerely heard and involved. For assignments in the field of collaboration, therefore, I always ask questions about how the internal dialogue is experienced during intake interviews with individual employees. Regularly I get back that the umpteenth training about giving feedback or communication here will not make the difference. What is in the way of a healthy, open dialogue often has to do with experienced safety. Apart from a fear culture, people in many working environments are wary of what they do or do not say and share in the group. There is the feeling and often the reality that it is risky to show the back of your tongue. It could just influence your position, your status or your career. Or you’ll trigger at least the scorn or anger from some of your colleagues or your supervisor. In such a situation you can train people in communication infinitely, it will not lead to a healthier, open dialogue where everyone will be heard and everything is said. Safety must first be guaranteed seriously, then we continue talking. To begin with, about the importance of safety.
