Ursafe App Recognizes Dr. Candice Fast's Research as a Revolutionary Shift in Leadership and Organizational Performance

An innovative study by Dr. Candice Fast on hidden beliefs about leadership shows measurable gains in productivity and financial results across North America.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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An innovative doctoral study by Dr. Candice Fast on hidden beliefs about leadership shows measurable gains in engagement, productivity, and financial results, and now serves as a model for companies across North America. Dr. Fast's peer-reviewed research reveals that leaders' negative and unexamined assumptions about followers influence how they delegate authority, evaluate performance, extend trust, and structure work relationships, while negative beliefs followers hold about their own roles shape their willingness to take initiative, assume responsibility, speak up, and engage proactively.

Why it matters

In large U.S. organizations, misaligned implicit beliefs can translate into millions of dollars in lost productivity, diminished service quality, and increased turnover costs. The research goes beyond diagnosis to demonstrate impact, with more than 75 organizations that implemented belief alignment strategies reporting 5-10% increases in engagement, double-digit improvements in service quality, significant reductions in turnover-related expenses, and stronger innovation outcomes.

The details

Dr. Fast's findings challenge a widespread assumption in leadership practice: that positive expressed opinions alone create proactive teams. The research shows that even when leaders and followers report favorable views of one another, misaligned or negative implicit beliefs can inhibit innovation, reduce initiative, and suppress engagement. By integrating reflective assessments, 360-degree feedback mechanisms, and structured belief-awareness frameworks into leadership development initiatives, organizations can address this blind spot.

  • The study was conducted in the United States and Canada.
  • The research was peer-reviewed and published in 2026.

The players

Dr. Candice Fast

An author and researcher who conducted a groundbreaking study on hidden beliefs about leadership and their impact on organizational performance.

Ursafe App

An organization that has publicly recognized Dr. Candice Fast's research as a model for companies across North America.

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What they’re saying

“Recognizing and addressing those hidden assumptions is a powerful step toward stronger collaboration and higher performance.”

— Candice Fast

What’s next

Dr. Fast is actively applying these insights in other complex organizational environments such as The Walt Disney Company and Optima Living, where leadership effectiveness, workforce engagement, and operational alignment are critical.

The takeaway

This research demonstrates that subtle mental models - the schemas we rarely articulate - can steer team culture and outcomes. By addressing these hidden assumptions, organizations can achieve measurable improvements in engagement, productivity, and financial results.