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How and why do managers need to create psychologically safe spaces at work? originally appeared on Quora: the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
According to researcher Amy Edmondson (who coined the phrase “team psychological safety”), psychological safety at work is a shared belief by members of a team that it’s okay to take risks, express their ideas and concerns, to speak up with questions, and to admit mistakes - all without fear of negative consequences.
Years of research have shown its positive impact on a team’s performance, how free they feel to innovate, their creativity, improved decision-making, and learning. The downsides of lacking safety are also very clearly researched and have shown a negative impact on employee wellbeing - including stress, burnout, turnover – as well as on overall company performance.
Leaders play a pivotal role in cultivating psychological safety for their team.
They set the tone through their actions, words, and attitudes, thereby significantly influencing behavior.
Here are some leadership practices to effectively foster psychological safety at work:
Honesty/Integrity Always, No Exceptions Uphold honesty and integrity even if it means missing results. Straying into gray areas damages trust and undermines safety.
First Impressions Matter A leader’s first 30 days in role are critical for setting the stage. Every action, word, and movement has an impact - leaders must understand this and act accordingly.
Transparency is Key This involves consistent vulnerability and the sharing of ideas, and fostering an environment where the best idea wins – regardless of its source.
Listen for Understanding Don't just go through the motions. Address issues head-on, resolve them, or at the very least, understand why they exist.
Maintain a Positive, Hopeful, Forward-Looking Approach Don't dwell on yesterday's problems. Focus on future objectives and inspire hope in your team.
Encourage Innovation, Achieve Results, Have Fun Foster a culture where individuals feel empowered to innovate, achieve, and enjoy their work.
Make Time for Reflection Allow moments of pause where discomfort can be embraced, it provides an opportunity for learning, growth, and enhancing mutual understanding within the team.
Be a Great Peer Pick up the phone, learn from others, and maintain open lines of communication to build strong relationships.
Offer Help and Advice Remember, you're not expected to have all the answers. Encourage dialogue and provide support to your team.
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