Human beings need to feel safe physically and psychologically. Challenging conversations can trigger the brain's fight-or-flight response, undermining our ability to have meaningful and constructive dialogue. Creating an emotionally and psychologically safe space can lead to more enjoyable and productive conversations. The concept of psychological safety has gained prominence in recent years, and experts have highlighted its importance for people to thrive at work, school, and home. Let’s explore how you can promote psychological safety to help cultivate healthy relationships, thrive at work, and lead a happier life.
What is Psychological Safety
Psychological safety refers to an individual's perception of a safe space to express their thoughts, opinions, ideas, and concerns without fear of negative consequences such as ridicule, punishment, or exclusion. It's about feeling comfortable enough to take interpersonal risks, ask questions, and make mistakes without facing retribution or embarrassment.
Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson popularized the concept of psychological safety in the early 2000s. Her research highlighted the significant impact of this phenomenon on team performance and innovation. When people feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to collaborate, share knowledge, and communicate openly and honestly.
What it is and what it isn’t
What Psychological Safety is
□ It is about productive disagreements and free exchange of ideas.
□ It is an absence of interpersonal fear.
□ It is about genuinely respecting others’ views and voices.
□ It is a climate that exists in the team or the environment.
□ It is the benefit of the doubt the team extends when one makes a mistake.
□ It is about honest, collaborative work to create an effective work environment.
What Psychological Safety is not
□ It is not immunity from consequences such as loss of job due to changes in the industry.
□ It is not a state of high self-regard.
□ It is not about being nice.
□ It is not a personality trait.
□ It is not the trust between two individuals.
□ It is not about lowering work standards and ignoring timelines.
Why Create Psychological Safety?
Creating psychological safety fosters an environment of trust and openness, enabling more effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in personal and professional relationships.
Relationships:
Psychological safety is a crucial foundation for healthy connections. It enables enjoyable conversations where partners, friends, and relatives can speak openly and honestly without fearing judgment. This, in turn, nurtures trust and intimacy as individuals can share their thoughts and emotions comfortably. When disagreements arise, psychological safety encourages constructive dialogue, reducing potential harm to the relationship.
Community:
Psychological safety fosters a welcoming and diverse environment. People from various backgrounds and perspectives feel included and valued, promoting social cohesion. Individuals are more likely to engage in collaborative efforts, strengthening their social bonds and sense of belonging. This, in turn, enhances the community's resilience, as individuals can rely on their neighbors for support during challenges, crises, or disasters.
Workplace:
Psychological safety offers numerous advantages in the workplace. It promotes creativity by encouraging employees to share innovative ideas without fear of criticism. Teams that operate in a psychologically safe environment engage in open discussions, leading to better problem-solving and decision-making. Increased employee engagement is another benefit, contributing to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Ultimately, a psychologically safe workplace reduces turnover, as employees are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel respected and heard.
Fostering Psychological Safety
Lead by Example
You play a pivotal role in finding and helping others set the tone for psychological safety. You might need to coach others to help them create and contribute safely. You can openly share your own experiences, vulnerabilities, and mistakes. When you demonstrate that admitting errors and seeking help is acceptable, others will feel more comfortable doing the same.
Encourage Open Communication
One of the foundational skills to provide psychological safety is open dialogue. This means creating a space where your friends, family, and colleagues can speak their minds freely, without judgment or interruption. Whether it's a conversation with a friend, a team meeting, or a family gathering, you can set the tone by listening actively, showing curiosity, and validating others' perspectives. When people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings, leading to greater understanding and connection.
Sponsorship
Another way to promote psychological safety is by actively supporting and advocating for others, especially those who may feel marginalized or excluded. As a sponsor, you can help amplify their voices, provide opportunities for growth, and challenge biases and stereotypes. Doing so creates a more inclusive environment and demonstrates that you value diversity and want everyone to feel valued and supported.
Humility
You can help develop psychological safety by acknowledging that you don't have all the answers or expertise and being open to learning from others, even if they have different backgrounds or experiences. Being humble enough to recognize your blind spots, admit mistakes, and accept feedback without being defensive creates an environment of continuous learning where people feel safe to take risks and innovate.
Be Compassionate
Developing compassion is critical during challenging times like social unrest or personal crises. Being self-aware, vulnerable, empathetic, and compassionate can help you communicate more effectively with others. At the same time, being vulnerable, sharing your struggles, and asking for help can create deeper connections and an environment of mutual support. Empathy and compassion mean putting yourself in someone else's shoes, understanding their perspective, and genuinely caring about their well-being. You can develop these skills through practice, mindfulness, and seeking feedback from others.
Develop Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for fostering psychological safety. You should invest in improving your communication skills, including active listening, clear and concise messaging, and providing constructive feedback. Enhancing communication can create an environment where others feel heard and understood. Take our free Communication Style Quiz to help you assess and develop your communication skills.
Improve Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in fostering psychological safety. Individuals with high emotional intelligence can effectively manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others. This enables them to respond appropriately, show empathy, and create a safe and supportive work environment. Take the free Emotional Intelligence Quiz to help assess and develop your emotional intelligence skills.
Takeaways
Psychological safety is not a luxury or a buzzword but an essential need for people to thrive. By developing open dialogue, sponsorship, and situational humility skills, you can help others promote psychological safety and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Developing compassionate skills can help you cope with stress, connect with others, and lead by example. Remember that you can bring people together and positively impact them. Let's build a future where psychological safety is a norm, not an exception.
