Michael Saltzstein Reveals How Silent Workarounds Reveal Deeper Process Failures In many workplaces, broken systems stick around not because no one notices, but because no one feels comfortable speaking up. Instead of raising concerns or challenging inefficient processes, employees often create quiet workarounds just to keep things moving. As Michael Saltzstein points out, these behind-the-scenes fixes aren’t signs of creativity or resilience. They are red flags that something important is missing, which is psychological safety. A workaround may be as simple as using an unofficial spreadsheet instead of a clunky CRM or copying a coworker’s workflow to avoid dealing with red tape. While these silent fixes keep daily operations from stalling, they also mask inefficiencies and prevent systemic improvement. Why Employees Stay Silent The silence surrounding broken processes often stems from fear of being seen as negative, resistant, or difficul...
Michael Saltzstein: Emotional Labor Deserves Recognition in Modern Office Culture When we think of workplace contributions, we often focus on productivity, deadlines, and deliverables. Yet there's a less visible force shaping team dynamics and client interactions , emotional labor . Michael Saltzstein , a respected voice in workplace dynamics and leadership development, emphasizes that the emotional energy employees invest in maintaining composure, empathy , and diplomacy is critical, though often unrecognized. Emotional labor refers to regulating feelings and expressions to fulfill professional roles. It’s what happens when an employee smiles through frustration, remains calm in a heated meeting, or absorbs a client’s stress while remaining supportive. This unseen effort keeps workplaces functioning smoothly, yet it often comes with emotional exhaustion and a lack of acknowledgment. The Demands Behind the Smile Frontline professionals, ...