{
  "id": 11705869,
  "title": "Everyone in the room thinks they’re the only one struggling",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/everyone-in-the-room-thinks-theyre-the-only-one-struggling",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-03T15:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Big Think",
    "slug": "big-think",
    "url": "https://bigthink.com/work-wise/everyone-in-the-room-thinks-theyre-the-only-one-struggling/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The shared experience of feeling isolated in one's struggles often leads individuals to believe they are the only ones facing challenges. During my PhD, I participated in Shut Up and Write sessions, which required participants to be quiet and work in a room full of strangers. Initially skeptical, I found the experience to be a catalyst for connection and support. After the first break, people started sharing what they were working on and asking for advice, leading to valuable insights and recommendations. This experience taught me that I was not alone in my struggles and that seeking help was not a sign of weakness. Observation of this phenomenon extended to my consulting work, where weekly team calls focused on discussing the challenges each member was facing. This practice allowed the team to provide guidance, share resources, and build stronger working relationships. Daniel Coyle, an expert in high-performing teams, explains how these emotional moments foster psychological safety, enabling group members to be vulnerable and seek assistance. The \"Ask and Offer\" technique, where individuals share their work challenges and receive help from others, is a simple yet effective way to create connections and foster collaboration. Running sessions such as Eat the Frog in the workplace or gathering with friends outside of work helps individuals tackle their most challenging tasks and receive support from those who care. While this practice may require more effort to establish, the benefits of improved performance and stronger cultural bonds make it a worthwhile investment.",
  "summary": "The connective ritual behind my closest friendships and the best teams asks the same question: What are you working on that you need help with? During my PhD, I regularly participated in something called Shut Up and Write. The idea was (wait for it) to be quiet and work, but in a room full of people doing the same. Two hours, sometimes three, broken into 25-minute blocks with five-minute breaks…",
  "key_points": [
    "Individuals feel isolated in their struggles, believing they are alone.",
    "Shared experiences in quiet work sessions foster connection and support.",
    "Asking for help and offering assistance builds psychological safety and collaboration."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}