Many organisations say “people first”, but the actions of managers reveal that scaring people comes first. 

Never underestimate the power of fear cultures to distort and disturb people’s common sense to take initiatives and be creative. The environments created by managers enforce the idea that people should do as they are told without questioning. 

The industrial age system that wanted workers to follow instructions and adhere to rules is still the norm in most organisations around the world. 

When organisations talk about “people first” it doesn’t mean carrying people over and move them to the front. It certainly means creating an inspiring and growth inducing workplace that deliberately cherishes creativity, collaboration, taking action and values and celebrates mistakes. 

This is when “people first” culture supersedes “fear culture”. This is how managers become leaders.