The Lack of Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times
by InKNOWnative, Shari Soroka
Aug 18, 2025
Connect
The economic downturn of the early 2000s, coupled with the tech bubble and widespread mortgage crisis, marked a time of immense uncertainty for many of us. Jobs were scarce, and financial security seemed like an impossible dream for those hit hardest by the fallout. During this period, I found myself navigating a patchwork of odd jobs—working in a restaurant, taking on temp roles, and eventually landing a position in a chiropractor’s office. It was far from the career I had imagined, but it was a necessary stepping stone during those tough years.
In this newsletter, I’ll share an experience from that time, illustrating how workplace dynamics—especially psychological safety—play a pivotal role in not only personal well-being but also organizational effectiveness. This story is one of the many instances in my career where psychological safety, or the lack thereof, made a significant impact me.
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Each issue is carefully curated with high-impact insights, practical tools, and fresh perspectives rooted in personal experience and observations. In Real Life (IRL) examples to better understand and illustrate psychological safety.
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