Business Growth & Leadership Tips


Hi, Reader

I once coached a general manager in a regional unit of a global software development company. He had big goals.

"I want our unit to be Number 1 across all other units,” he told me. “I know psychological safety and well-being are important, but we just don’t have the luxury of letting our standards drop."

 

Sound familiar?

I hear this a lot from ambitious leaders. They set sky-high expectations for their teams, pushing hard for performance, engagement, and productivity. And sometimes, psychological safety can seem like a distraction—as if focusing on it might soften their edge.

But here’s the surprising truth:

Prioritizing well-being doesn’t lower your standards—it raises them.

Here's why:

  • Higher Performance: When teams feel safe and supported, they’re more motivated and productive.
  • Greater Innovation: A culture of psychological safety fosters creativity and risk-taking without the fear of failure.
  • Stronger Engagement: Employees who feel valued bring more energy and commitment to their work.

So, what can you do?


• Encourage open dialogue—make it safe for your team to speak up.
• Recognize effort, not just results.
• Model vulnerability—leaders who admit mistakes create a culture where learning thrives.

And if you want to go deeper into the habits of high-performing teams, check out my Forbes Council article to learn why focusing on psychological safety is a game-changer for high-achieving teams.

🟠High Standards, High Safety

Psychological Safety: The Secret Weapon Against Burnout in High-Performing Teams

"Many leaders believe that focusing on psychological safety can compromise high standards. This article reveals how fostering a psychologically safe environment actually prevents burnout, boosts strategic thinking, enhances creativity, and ultimately drives better business outcomes."

🔶Join the Discussion:

After coaching 200+ executives, I've found 6 habits that drive real impact:

  1. Act Before Ready
  2. Turn Setbacks to Strategy
  3. Focus on What Matters
  4. Think Big, Act Daily
  5. Build Powerful Networks
  6. Own Your Energy

📌The Founder's Dilemma: Old Habits vs. New Realities

Your leadership style is heavily influenced by the leadership you have experienced yourself, but what if those experiences are holding you back?"

✴️ Personal Strategy Workshop: Get Inspired and Plan Your Success!

One of the best gift you can give yourself is taking time to think about your future. If you don't plan your future, don't be surprised when you get something you didn't want.

So last Wednesday, we want to design personal strategies.

Here's what people said:

⋆✴︎˚。⋆"It was inspiring!"

⋆✴︎˚。⋆"It was great to hear the ambitions of others."

Missed the workshop? Don't worry - we'll have another one soon!

Join us March 26th!

Count down to 2025-03-26T17:00:00.000Z

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Paid Well, Living Hell?

Paid Well, Living Hell? is a no-nonsense newsletter for busy leaders who are tired of overwork and want a smarter way to scale their impact. Each edition delivers practical strategies, leadership insights, and team-building hacks to help you build a high-performing, self-sufficient team—so you can increase productivity, boost profits, and reclaim your time. If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start leading, this is for you.

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