Prioritising a good working environment in think tanks

2 December 2019
SERIES Ideas, reflections and advice from future think tank leaders 17 items

‘We have to talk’ is not something you want to hear – whether it be from a loved one or a work colleague. Here, I think I’ll stick to the work context! While it is not something we want to hear, I’ve come to learn that having a trusting environment at work, in which people can talk openly about their issues, is only a positive thing.

A few years ago, I was working for the public sector in my country. It was not a good working environment. Difficult conversations were a day-to-day occurrence. But there was no confidence or trust among peers, so this was really difficult.

I now work for the think tank Grupo FARO in Ecuador, and have had the chance to experience a new kind of relationship with my peers. Here, discussion and debate are welcomed and encouraged. It feels like a safe space. People are direct, specific and empathetic, being open about things that do not feel right and could generate conflict.

On a personal level, I think that knowing how to have difficult conversations is an extraordinary ability, helping to generate a trusting work environment. Of course, having difficult conversations is a lot easier when you already have a trusting environment. It means being assertive and empathetic. It also helps to find the right place and moment to communicate difficult matters.

Generating trust among co-workers is a long-term goal that think tanks must work to build. And there are huge benefits to this way of working. Teamwork, for example, is easily performed.

So, I encourage all thinktankers and think tank leaders to reflect on their own working environment.

To what extent is there a culture of trust in your think tank? Are staff incentivised to have open and honest conversations? Is building a trusting working environment a priority in your think tank?

To what extent is there a culture of trust in your think tank? Are staff incentivised to have open and honest conversations? Is building a trusting working environment a priority in your think tank?