Dare to Speak the Truth (2nd Edition)

Author: [US] Catherine D. Ryan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: This is an era where leaders must focus on the consequences of fear. Organizations are undergoing tremendous changes, and leaders need all the help they can get to successfully overcome fear. However, in situations where people are afraid to ask bold questions, fear of negative consequences, and fear of failure, various fears torment and hinder organizations. I have seen that if no measures are taken and fear is allowed to run rampant, it can have significant destructive effects on an organization's social system in the long run. Many people mistakenly believe that fear can be a tool for motivation and is beneficial. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as healthy fear in this world: the consequences it produces are only negative! Fear triggers short-term behavior, which may yield some results but ultimately will not lead to success. When people experience fear, they focus only on how to escape danger. In fact, the fear of failure—which frequently occurs in organizations but cannot be discussed—is self-fulfilling; it becomes a springboard for failure. The new edition directly addresses the importance of tackling fear within organizations and creating a trusting environment, adding a new chapter on how to handle fear in a rapidly changing era. The book also highlights phenomena that are privately known in most organizations but are often ignored. Catherine and Daniel discuss everything that cannot be talked about. They provide practical new directions for people on where to start and how to deal with this complex human emotion. The book encourages fostering a spirit of trust and cooperation in relationships, fully illustrated with examples and stories. It is an innovative and engaging book.