Inheriting a quiet team can be a challenge for a leader striving to build a culture of voice and contribution.
Teams can carry psychological patterns of silence from past experiences under dismissive or punitive leaders.
To encourage voice in a quiet team, leaders can start by acknowledging past dynamics, inviting small ideas, and resetting the expectations of speaking up.
Creating a safe environment for sharing ideas and reinforcing a culture where speaking up is valued are key steps in supporting a quiet team.