While managers may be constrained in their communication,
special individuals create unofficial channels where team
members feel safe to share information. Acting as social hubs
or "speakeasies," they foster trust and enable the
free flow of timely, factual information, which helps
colleagues make better decisions and navigate turmoil. Despite
their critical function in preventing team collapse and
reducing isolation, this "glue work" is typically
not formally recognized or compensated.
