If you ask me, it’s insecurity. This single emotion has a ripple effect that can destabilise even the most promising teams and undermine the best-laid plans.
But how does insecurity play out in a workplace? And why is it so damaging?
The Domino Effect of Insecurity
Insecurity at work is like a virus. It starts small but spreads quickly, affecting not just individuals but entire teams.
Let’s start at the top. If a senior manager is insecure, it creates a trickle-down effect. Here’s what usually happens:
Mistrust spreads. An insecure manager often imagines conspiracies where there are none. This mistrust manifests in directives like, “Don’t share project details with other teams.” Collaboration takes a backseat, and silos form.
Transparency—the bedrock of collaboration—suffers. Without it, teams can’t function efficiently. Insecurity erodes openness, making it harder for people to work together effectively.
Toxic dynamics emerge. Insecure managers inadvertently encourage insecure team members to play games. They plant seeds of doubt, feeding the manager’s insecurity to stay relevant.
It’s a vicious cycle. Mistrust breeds insecurity, which breeds more mistrust.
As Debra Winger remarked, “Most bad behaviour comes from insecurity.” This isn’t just about personal shortcomings—it’s a team issue that pervades the workplace.
Why Insecurity Thrives in Teams
So why do people resort to such tactics? It often boils down to a lack of confidence in their abilities.
Imagine this scenario: You’re in a role where you feel underqualified or out of your depth. Instead of addressing the gap, you find alternative ways to stay “useful.” One option? Exploit your manager’s insecurities by spinning stories about your manager’s colleagues or yours.
It sounds underhanded, and it is. But it’s also alarmingly common.
Early in my team-leading role, I witnessed this firsthand. A couple of team members tried to convince me that a colleague who co-led a project with me was working against my interests. They intended to create discord and secure their position.
I called out their bluff immediately, and the situation ended there. However, not everyone catches these manipulations in time, and the damage can be immense.
The Hidden Costs of Insecurity
The fallout of workplace insecurity is massive. Here’s what it can lead to:
1. Collaboration Breakdown
Teams thrive on trust and communication. When insecurity takes hold, people stop sharing ideas and resources. Silos form and collaboration dies.
2. Lower Productivity
The energy that should go into work is instead spent navigating office politics. Projects slow down, and morale plummets.
3. High Turnover
Talented individuals don’t stay in toxic environments, and insecurity drives away those who could make the workplace much better.
A Better Way Forward
So, how do we address this? How can workplaces move beyond insecurity to create environments where trust and collaboration thrive?
Try these:
Foster a culture of transparency
Encourage transparent communication across all levels of the organisation. When people feel heard, insecurity has less room to grow.
Empower individuals
Build confidence in your team by providing training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow. Confident employees are less likely to feel insecure.
Call out toxic behaviour
Nip manipulative tactics in the bud. Whether it’s a team member planting false stories or a manager withholding information, addressing the issue directly helps set the right tone.
Insecurity isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a team issue, a productivity issue, and, ultimately, a business issue. Imagine a workplace where everyone feels confident in their abilities and trusts their colleagues. Projects would move faster, ideas would flow freely, and people would genuinely enjoy coming to work.
It sounds idealistic, but it’s possible. The first step? Recognising insecurity for what it is: a barrier we can—and must—overcome.
Because when insecurity is replaced with trust, workplaces don’t just function—they flourish.
About Me
I am a thinker at all times. I see, I think. I hear, I think. I read, I think. Every weekend I write. I would love to know what you think.