Psychological safety is so important for a healthy and happy workplace. It means people can share ideas and make mistakes without fear. This post does a great job of explaining it.
What Psychological Safety Is and Isn't -------------------- Psychological safety refers to an environment (whether at work or persona) in which people feel free to express relevant thoughts and feelings without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career. In such an environment, employees can take interpersonal risks, make mistakes, ask for help, and propose new ideas without feeling insecure or embarrassed. What Psychological Safety Is: - Supportive Environment: A psychologically safe workplace encourages open communication and sincere feedback. It's a space where employees can speak up without fear of retribution or ridicule. - Opportunity for Growth: It allows people to step out of their comfort zones to learn and develop new skills, acknowledging that growth often comes from trial and error. Emphasis on Learning, Not Failure: When mistakes are made, the focus is on learning from them rather than punishing those responsible. Team Integrity and Collaboration: Psychological safety fosters a team-oriented atmosphere where trust and mutual respect are paramount. It's about working together towards common goals and valuing each member's contribution. Leadership Accountability: Leaders in a psychologically safe environment are approachable and accountable. They set the tone by modeling vulnerability, openness to feedback, and willingness to admit mistakes What Psychological Safety Isn't: Absence of Pressure or Stress: Psychological safety doesn't mean a stress-free environment. Workplaces can be demanding, but how stress is managed and communicated is key. Always Agreeing or Avoiding Conflict: It's not about always being in agreement. Constructive conflict can drive innovation and improvement as long as it's managed respectfully. Lack of Accountability: While psychological safety involves open communication and learning from mistakes, it doesn't absolve people from meeting standards of performance or behavior or following through on commitments. The Importance of Psychological Safety: The impact of psychological safety extends beyond individual well-being. It has tangible benefits for organizations, including: Enhanced Innovation: Teams with high psychological safety are more likely to harness diverse ideas and perspectives, leading to greater creativity and innovation. Improved Employee Engagement: Employees who feel safe are more engaged and committed to their organization, driving productivity and reducing turnover. Effective Risk Management: When employees aren't afraid to speak up, organizations can identify and address risks more promptly. -------------------- The image below is very simple, yet powerful. Inspired by Amy Edmondson and created by Heidi Pickett.
