Creating Psychological Safety in Global Startups with Alexandra Erman

Join Dr. Bobbi Wegner and Alexandra Erman as they explore the innovative strategies for building cohesion in global, distributed teams. Discover how a unique approach to trust, dual management, and real-time feedback can transform team dynamics and drive organizational success.

Alexandra Erman is a seasoned people officer with over 20 years of experience in startups and 15 years in the technology sector, focusing on SaaS and scaling companies. Currently, a leader at BforeAI, a virtual-first cybersecurity company, Alexandra is passionate about fostering team cohesion and connection within a global, distributed workforce. With a background in internal operations, where she managed people, finance, and administration, she chose to specialize in the people function, driven by the belief that it should be a core business strategy. Alexandra's approach emphasizes building strong team cultures, facilitating asynchronous communication, and creating psychological safety to empower diverse, cross-cultural teams. She is also actively involved in innovative management practices such as dual management and continuous performance management.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Alexandra Erman emphasizes building cohesion in global teams by aligning them behind a compelling mission, central to their work in cybersecurity.
• Structured group norms and clear expectations for asynchronous work create a safe environment, balancing stability with creativity.
• The innovative use of "user manuals" helps employees understand team dynamics, fostering relationship-building and trust.
• The dual management approach separates personal development and technical guidance, enhancing individual growth and psychological safety.
• Continuous performance management and active development of psychological safety facilitate open communication and trust in the organization.

Todays guest, Alexandra Erman, can be found online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraerman/

Your host, Dr. Bobbi Wegner, can be found online at:

Groops: https://www.joingroops.com/

Harvard Extension School Faculty Spotlight: https://youtu.be/zwLai-lu-pk?si=GpKNhtxVvTrS3-pu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiwegner/