Rituals
What is the hard truth about our current way of working that we keep avoiding?
I hear you, and I’m here with you
What topics feel “off limits” or too risky to bring up in front of the group?
Thank you for trusting me with this
What’s one thing you need more of from this team to show up as your real self at work?
It took a lot of courage to share that
What is one thing Polina does that helps you do your best work, that she may not realize matters?
Thank you for trusting us with that
If a friend asked you, “What is the uncomfortable truth about how our company really works?”, what would you say?
Thank you for opening up
Where are we confusing “being busy” with creating real value for customers?
It took a lot of courage to share that
What kind of feedback do you hold back because you are worried about how people will react?
I really appreciate you sharing that with me
What is one boundary you wish you could set more clearly (about time, communication, or responsibilities)?
You don’t have to go through this by yourself
What is one thing Polina does that makes your work harder, even if the intent is good?
It’s completely okay to feel like this
Where is there the biggest gap between what the company says it values and what it actually rewards in practice?
What you’re feeling completely makes sense to me
Where do our processes optimize for comfort and predictability over learning and impact?
I’m glad you chose to share this moment with us
If a new person joined tomorrow and asked, “Is it safe here to ask for help or say ‘I don’t know’?”, what would you honestly tell them?
I feel grateful that you’re comfortable opening up
When do you feel you have to put on a “work mask” here, and what are you hiding when you do?
You’re not alone in this, I’m right here
What Polina is pretending not to see about this team or our way of working?
I value you, and I care about what you’re saying
What is something people quietly accept here that you believe we should challenge?
Thank you for letting me see this side of you
What is one behavior that is “normal” here but would look clearly unhealthy or unprofessional to an outsider?
You’re not overreacting; this really matters
Who talks much less than they should in our meetings, and what do you think stops them?
Thank you for giving me a window into how you see things
What would make you seriously consider leaving this team within the next year?
You matter, and what you’re feeling matters too
Where do you see Polina holding onto control that she should give to the team?
I’m glad you felt you could talk to us about this
Where does the company’s way of working make it hard for you to do the right thing for customers or for quality?
Thank you for being so genuine with me
What is one thing we all complain about privately but rarely discuss when the whole team is in the room?
Thank you for giving me the chance to understand you more
When is it not safe on this team to make a mistake? What happens then?
Your feelings are valid and important
What is one talent or strength you have that this team is not using at all?
I believe you, and I believe in you
When does Polina make it feel unsafe to disagree with her? Give a recent example, if you can.
Thank you for letting me into your world
Which company policy or unwritten rule most undermines psychological safety or trust, in your view?
I really appreciate the way you share what’s on your mind