HOW DO YOU CREATE PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY AT WORK? Interview with Amy Edmondson

Summary

This video discusses the concept of psychological safety, which is crucial for fostering a work environment where individuals feel comfortable taking interpersonal risks such as admitting mistakes or giving feedback. The key to creating psychological safety involves leaders setting the stage by being transparent about challenges, proactively inviting input from their teams, and responding positively to feedback. By ensuring that team members feel heard and valued, leaders can create a candid, energizing, and supportive atmosphere that encourages honesty and collaboration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Psychological safety is a shared belief that the environment supports interpersonal risks, like asking for help or admitting mistakes.
• 😀 It's not about being nice or guaranteeing applause; it’s about creating an honest, candid, and energizing space.
• 😀 Leaders must set the stage by being transparent about the challenges their team is facing, especially uncertainty and complexity.
• 😀 Setting the stage helps team members understand why their input is valuable, as they may see things others miss.
• 😀 Leaders should actively invite input and feedback from their teams, making it easier for people to speak up than remain silent.
• 😀 It’s crucial to ask team members directly: ‘What’s on your mind? What concerns do you have?’ to encourage participation.
• 😀 Leaders must not shoot the messenger when people come forward with bad news or ideas; instead, they should respond appreciatively and forward-looking.
• 😀 Being proactive in inviting voice ensures a culture of openness and trust where people feel comfortable sharing.
• 😀 Psychological safety fosters an environment where candid feedback and honest discussions are welcomed without fear of retribution.
• 😀 Creating psychological safety is an ongoing leadership responsibility that requires intentional effort to maintain transparency, invite feedback, and respond thoughtfully.

Q & A

What is psychological safety, and why is it important in a team environment?

Psychological safety is a shared belief that the environment is conducive to interpersonal risks, such as asking for help, admitting a mistake, or criticizing a project. It's important because it allows people to be candid and honest without fear of negative consequences, creating a more open, productive, and supportive team environment.

How does psychological safety differ from being nice or soft?

Psychological safety is not about being nice or soft; it is about creating an environment where open and honest communication is encouraged, including constructive criticism. It doesn’t guarantee applause for everything said, nor does it allow for whining or slacking off. It’s about candid engagement and energizing conversations.

What role does leadership play in creating psychological safety?

Leaders play a crucial role by setting the stage for psychological safety. They should clearly communicate the challenges and uncertainties the team faces, making it clear why everyone’s voice is needed. Leaders must also be proactive in inviting input and must create an environment where speaking up is easier than remaining silent.

What does it mean to 'set the stage' in the context of psychological safety?

Setting the stage means preparing the team for open communication by openly acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties they face. This helps make it clear why everyone’s voice is valuable and necessary in addressing these challenges, reinforcing the importance of sharing ideas and concerns.

Why is it important for leaders to be proactive in inviting feedback from their team?

Being proactive in inviting feedback ensures that team members feel encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns. It’s not enough for leaders to just express openness; they must actively ask for input, making it harder for people to remain silent than to speak up.

How should leaders respond when someone comes forward with bad news or critical feedback?

Leaders should respond in a calm, forward-looking, and appreciative manner. It's crucial not to 'shoot the messenger' when receiving bad news or criticism. Responding positively helps maintain trust and encourages more open communication.

What is the balance between creating psychological safety and holding team members accountable?

Psychological safety is about encouraging honest communication, but it doesn’t mean allowing people to slack off. There is a balance between fostering a safe environment for open discussion and maintaining accountability for performance and responsibilities. Leaders should ensure that the environment is supportive but also results-driven.

What are the potential challenges in implementing psychological safety in a team?

Some challenges include overcoming resistance to open feedback, dealing with people who are hesitant to speak up due to fear of judgment, and addressing the need for balance between honesty and accountability. Additionally, ensuring that feedback is met with a positive and constructive response can be difficult, but it is necessary to maintain psychological safety.

How can psychological safety impact team performance?

When psychological safety is present, team members feel more comfortable sharing innovative ideas, raising concerns, and collaborating openly. This leads to improved problem-solving, increased creativity, and better decision-making, all of which can significantly enhance team performance.

What specific actions can leaders take to maintain psychological safety during uncertain times, like during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Leaders can maintain psychological safety during uncertain times by being transparent about the challenges and complexities the team faces. Acknowledging uncertainty, sharing information openly, and continuously inviting input helps reinforce that everyone's voice matters, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.