The Best Surfer in the Water is the one having the most fun. Ever heard that one before? How you measure success is largely personal, but the inclusion of happiness stands at the core of most definitions, doesn’t it?
We often talk about supporting employees—but what about the people leading them?
Managers are the first line of support when teams struggle with stress, conflict, or burnout. Yet, behind the scenes, many are silently running on empty themselves.
Let’s be honest—most managers don’t start out as people leaders. They’re promoted because they’re good at their jobs, great with systems, or strong in delivery. Then suddenly, they’re handed something far more complex than any project plan: people. Managing tasks is straightforward. Leading humans? That’s where it gets real.
Support isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the difference between a team that merely survives the week and one that shows up with energy, creativity, and purpose. And in today’s world of high pressure, constant change, and growing mental health challenges, that kind of support isn’t optional—it’s essential.
We’ve all heard the saying, “People are an organisation’s greatest asset.” But the truth is, it’s not just about the people—it’s about how well they’re supported. Even the most talented employees can’t thrive in environments where stress is ignored, mental health is stigmatised, or workloads are unsustainable.
Psychological safety isn’t a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how people feel and perform at work. At its core, it’s about whether employees feel safe to speak up, share ideas, admit mistakes, or say they’re struggling without fear of judgment or backlash. And while many factors influence psychological safety, one has the biggest impact: leadership.