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Paid Well, Living Hell?

Business Growth & Leadership Tips

Published 25 days ago • 2 min read

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?
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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.
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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

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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."

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

  1. Act Before Ready
  2. Turn Setbacks to Strategy
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📌The Founder's Dilemma: Old Habits vs. New Realities
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Your leadership style is heavily influenced by the leadership you have experienced yourself, but what if those experiences are holding you back?"

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Paid Well, Living Hell?

by Daria Rudnik, Team Architect and Strategic Clarity Coach

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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