Your Shot of Fearless Culture #353: Don't Kill the Messenger
Where change agents find their weekly dose of culture insights and exercises, one topic at a time.
When was the last time someone brought you bad news — or didn’t?
Maybe you’ve sensed problems bubbling under the surface, but no one dared to speak up.
You’re not alone.
In many workplaces, bad news travels slowly – or not at all.
People stay silent, fearing blame or isolation. No one wants to be “killed” for delivering. bad news.
But here’s the thing: Ignoring problems doesn’t make them go away. The sooner you hear the hard truths, the sooner you can act.
This week, I explore how to build a culture that not only embraces but rewards messengers.
And I share tips to help employees deliver bad news without becoming the scapegoat.
Check out my latest article below and explore this week’s resources!
Stay fearless, my friend.
Gustavo
My Two Cents
My latest article → How to Deliver Bad News Without Becoming the Scapegoat
From my archive → How to Build Psychological Safety Without Waiting for the Leader
One Question to Ask Your Team
What’s stopping team members from bringing forward issues, and how can we address those barriers?
One Thing to Try This Week
Bridge the gap with the Iceberg of Ignorance
Ask your team: “What challenges or issues might we be missing as leaders?” Use the metaphor of an iceberg: What’s visible above the surface? What’s hidden below?
Have them capture what they think managers and senior leaders might not see—issues, challenges, or opportunities.
Review these insights together and reflect on the gaps: What were you missing and why? How can your team improve communication to surface issues earlier?
🍦 Feed Your Curiosity
8 Ways to Develop a Work Culture that Values Respectful Dissent
Don’t Demonize Employees Who Raise Problems
How to Develop Bad News When It’s Not Your Fault
🔥 Master Culture Design – Join this Program
Do you want to learn how to intentionally improve workplace culture?
🧗 Join the February 2025 cohort of the Build a Fearless Culture program and gain practical tools and insights used by Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups.
Whether you're an HR executive, consultant, or team leader, this online program gives you the skills you need to build more collaborative and innovative cultures.
"The Fearless Culture program makes culture tangible and straightforward. I use the toolkit regularly and highly recommend it!" – Heather Polivka, USA
What You'll Gain:
Align your team's purpose, values, and behaviors
Promote psychological Safety to boost courageous conversation and innovation
Learn how to build a culture of feedback
Design powerful team rituals that accelerate culture change
Improve meeting effectiveness and productivity
Learn how to accelerate decision making
Upgrade mindsets to accelerate cultural transformation
Master the framework used by over 500,000 practitioners worldwide.
Save $300 when you register before EOD December 12, 2024 (regular price $1,495)
My culture design programs have 100+ 5-star Google Reviews
🚀 Accelerate Teamwork
I'm here to help your team do fantastic work together. How? By tackling three areas: alignment, belonging, and collaboration. Check our services:
Do you want to build a fearless culture?
Gustavo Razzetti
CEO, Fearless Culture