Leadership Tips: Psychological Safety at Work

In today's training, we're diving into the critical role of psychological safety in the workplace. Learn how to foster an environment where your team feels empowered to speak up, share ideas, and ask questions—without fear of judgment. Let's create a more open and innovative workplace together. Watch now!

Sources:

Book: Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth (1st ed.). Wiley.

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (August 2024 version). OpenAI. Retrieved from https://chat.openai.com. Edited for style and content.

Canva. (n.d.). Canva [Design software]. Canva. Retrieved from https://www.canva.com.Edited for style and content.

HeyGen. (n.d.). HeyGen [AI video generator]. HeyGen. Retrieved from https://www.heygen.com.Edited for style and content.

#Leadership #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #TeamSuccess #KelleyConsulting

Transcript

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Welcome to our training session on building psychological safety at work. Today, we’ll explore how you, as a leader, can create an environment where your team feels comfortable to express ideas, ask questions, and share concerns— without fear of negative consequences or embarrassment. Let’s get started. Psychological safety is the foundation of a healthy and innovative work culture. It’s about creating a space where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, asking questions, and sharing concerns openly. When people feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to contribute their full potential, which benefits both the individual and the organization. So, why is psychological safety so crucial in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing work environment? Let’s take a closer look. In today’s work environment, where collaboration, innovation, and adaptability are key, psychological safety is more important than ever. Without it, fear and hesitation can stifle creativity, slow down decision-making, and ultimately hinder team performance. At an individual level, psychological safety promotes learning, improves job satisfaction, and fosters creativity. When team members feel safe, they’re more likely to take risks, explore new ideas, and learn from their experiences, leading to personal and professional growth. For the organization, the benefits are just as significant. A psychologically safe environment builds trust, increases employee retention, improves team performance, and fosters innovation. It creates a culture where people are not only willing but eager to contribute their best ideas and efforts. So, how can you, as a leader, increase psychological safety within your team? It begins with intentional actions and practices that encourage open communication and mutual respect. Let’s explore some strategies. First, reframe the context of your work. Remind your team that the work environment is complex, and errors or failures are not just expected— they’re opportunities for learning. By normalizing failure as part of the process, you create a safe space where team members can experiment and innovate without fear. Next, emphasize the team’s goals and purpose. Share your perspective on why the team’s mission is important and the impact of achieving— or not achieving— those goals. When everyone understands the bigger picture, they’re more likely to engage and contribute meaningfully. Another key strategy is to actively ask for input. Practice curiosity by inviting your team members to share how they might approach challenges differently. Implement structures like focus groups or platforms for sharing ideas to ensure that every voice is heard and valued. When team members do share their ideas or concerns, respond with appreciation and respect. Thank them for their contributions, explore their ideas through thoughtful questions, and maintain a learning mindset. It’s also important to be transparent when you don’t have all the answers— this honesty helps build trust and openness. As we wrap up, it’s important to reflect on your current team culture. Shifting to a more psychologically safe environment can take time, depending on where you are today. Start by considering where your team stands now and how you might begin adopting new practices in your leadership role. Remember, the journey towards building psychological safety starts with you, the team leader. Developing a psychologically safe environment is an ongoing effort that requires consistent care and attention. It’s about allowing your team’s unique talents to shine and fostering a culture of trust and innovation. Thank you for joining this session— let’s work together to create a safer, more supportive workplace. As we conclude this video, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for taking the time to join us on this journey.