Have you ever entered an office and felt a noticeable disconnect? Are employees nodding in meetings, with their enthusiasm seemingly forced? Or maybe you have experienced feedback sessions that deflate rather than inspire or sensed silent tension during a CEO's initiative introduction.

According to Isabel Valle, a peak performance strategist, these signs often indicate deeper cultural issues rooted in the three assumptions leaders, managers, and business owners make about their company's workplace culture.

1. The Assumption That Everyone Understands The Company's Vision

A Gallup poll shows about 70% of employees are not actively engaged in their work and workplace. Leaders frequently assume that employees inherently grasp and adopt their vision. However, without consistent and transparent communication, even the most motivated teams can veer off course. 

To keep everyone on track, leaders must ensure regular communication of their vision that aligns with the team's daily activities. Employees require continuous guidance to align with the company's objectives, similar to how a sailor relies on a constant bearing to maintain the course. 

READ ALSO: Is Your Team Really Engaged? Here Are Key Strategies for Improving Workplace Morale and Productivity

2. The Assumption That Feedback You Give Always Works

Satistics from Officevibe underscore a significant gap: 65% of employees wish they received more feedback. However, feedback that is not specific, timely, and actionable can only have negative consequences. Think of feedback as coaching rather than criticizing. Effective feedback should pat someone on the back rather than push them off a cliff.

Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach to criticism, consider offering personalized coaching sessions that recognize individual strengths while providing specific areas for improvement. This will enhance morale and productivity, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

3. The Assumption of Silence Means Agreement

Silence often masks dissatisfaction. According to a Harvard Business Review article, over half of employees in one corporation were hesitant to share ideas or raise concerns, which stifled innovation and problem-solving. When employees do not feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, valuable insights are lost, and issues go unresolved. Silence should not be mistaken for smooth operations but a warning sign of underlying workplace culture issues.

Regular town hall meetings, anonymous suggestion boxes, and an open-door policy can effectively break the silence. Leaders should proactively seek and genuinely consider employee feedback, demonstrating a commitment not only to listen to concerns but also to take meaningful action based on them to empower employees. 

Breaking free from these assumptions is not just about boosting morale and driving profitability. According to Gallup, companies with engaged employees outperform others by 202%, underscoring the direct correlation between fostering understanding, enhancing communication, and improving your bottom line.

Imagine your workplace as a finely tuned orchestra, where each instrument harmonizes because it follows the same sheet music and receives clear feedback from the conductor. This environment empowers the musicians to express their unique sounds confidently, illustrating the power of addressing silent saboteurs.

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