Reliability is a sedative for our nervous system

Do what you say you will.

It sounds basic. But it's the biggest complaint people have when collaborating with others. That people let them down.

Neuroscience research shows that consistency calms the brain’s threat detection system (amygdala).

When people know you’ll follow through, their nervous system relaxes. They feel safe. And trust grows.

Without it, people shift into self-protection because they feel exposed and out of control. As a result conversations get defensive, creativity plummets, collaboration breaks and results suffer.

It causes leaders to micro manage, and team members to work around unreliable team mates.

Because at its core, working well with others relies on us feeling safe.

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