Psychological safety is essential for all brains to thrive at work. This is not fluffy stuff. It's critical for high performance. It fosters open communication, collaboration, innovation, and trust.
It means:
- “I feel safe to be myself and speak openly”
- “I have clarity on what I need to achieve and how success is measured”
- “I understand how what I does creates impact and connects to the broader vision”
- “Our team feels safe to challenge each other in a respectful way”
A team lacking psychological safety can experience:
- Lower productivity
- Higher turnover
- Presenteeism (showing up but not engaged)
- Apathy, fear, and lower resilience
You might also see, hear, or feel:
- Silence and Limited Participation: Meetings feel one-sided, with limited ideas shared.
- Fear of Failure: Team members hesitate to take risks or try new things.
- Limited Feedback: Constructive criticism is rare, and questions are scarce.
- Lack of Trust: Underlying tension and a lack of open communication prevail.
- Low Energy and Disengagement: Team members seem unmotivated and disconnected.
If you are experiencing any of this, then you need to act quickly.
How do you start cultivating or deepening your team's psychological safety:
- Be open & vulnerable: Share your mistakes and ask open-ended questions.
- Celebrate Learning: Reframe mistakes as opportunities for growth.
- Create a Safe Space for Feedback: Encourage constructive criticism and respond with appreciation.
- Foster Trust & Respect: Get to know your team and recognise their contributions.
- Lead by Example: Be approachable, show humility, and hold yourself accountable.
Creating a work environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and admitting mistakes, will mean better ideation, collaboration, and problem solving.
Some of the things you’ll hear from your team, when they feel safe
Here are 5 key things you'll hear in a team that fosters this essential element:
- "Here's a crazy idea..." Psychological safety encourages creative risk-taking. Team members feel comfortable proposing new ideas, even if they seem unconventional.
- "I made a mistake, but..." Openness to admitting mistakes is crucial. When team members feel safe, they can learn from setbacks without fear of blame.
- "Can I get your feedback on this?" Psychological safety fosters a culture of constructive criticism. Team members readily ask for and provide feedback, helping each other grow.
- "Let's brainstorm some solutions!" Open communication and collaboration thrive. Team members actively participate in discussions, offering diverse perspectives.
- "Thanks for your support!" Mutual respect and trust are evident. Team members celebrate each other's successes and offer encouragement during challenges.
Psychological safety is the foundation of high performing teams.
Contact Me: As a leader with 30 years experience building teams and culture, I can help you understand where you and your team are, and support you in implementing strategies to build greater safety and performance.
