Overheard around the office:

• Please don’t speak up as you’ll ruffle too many feathers.
• Trust us, we’re family.
• We just need you to put in another year to gain more experience.
• Sorry, she is next in line for promotion, maybe next year.
• Yeah, you will have to work on this after hours.
• Let’s get it in the pipeline for consideration next year.
• Consider this a learning opportunity because everyone has to pay their dues.
• Why is she posting on LinkedIn so much? It seems like she is just showing off.
• These anonymous surveys aren’t truly anonymous.
• Let’s give him an award this year rather than a raise.

Leaders should foster a culture of openness and meritocracy, where employees feel valued and heard, rather than silenced or placated with vague promises and superficial recognition.