Welcome to the Brock11, where we're not just talking about culture – we're building it, by design! I'm Laura Brocklehurst, CEO of Brock11, and your guide on this journey towards transformative workplace environments. Today, we’re diving into the heart of what makes a truly dynamic workplace – psychological safety. So, whether you’re leading a team or part of one, grab a seat and let’s explore together how to create spaces where everyone can thrive. Ready? Let’s get started!
Let's begin with the basics. What is psychological safety? Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson, who coined the term, defines it as 'a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.' It's about feeling comfortable being yourself and expressing your thoughts without fear of negative consequences.
In a psychologically safe workplace, employees feel valued and respected. They're confident to take risks, make mistakes, and voice their opinions. It's a culture that fosters openness, creativity, and learning.
Now, what does psychological safety look like in practice? Well, there are several signs to look out for...
First is high engagement. Teams with psychological safety are more engaged because they feel their opinions matter.
Next, there's diversity in thought. These teams don't just echo each other – they bring unique perspectives and feel comfortable doing so.
Another sign is high resilience. Teams bounce back faster from setbacks because they're not afraid to discuss and learn from failures.
On the flip side, let's talk about what happens in the absence of psychological safety.
In environments where psychological safety is missing, the atmosphere is quite different. You might notice...
First, there's a culture of fear. People are afraid to speak up or challenge the status quo.
Then, there's reluctance to innovate. Without the safety to fail, people stick to 'tried and true' methods, even if they're outdated.
And lastly, high turnover rates. If employees don't feel valued or heard, they're likely to look for opportunities elsewhere.
Clearly, the absence of psychological safety can have dire consequences. But don't worry – there are ways to cultivate it!
So, how can leaders build a psychologically safe workplace? Here are some key strategies.
First, lead by example. Show vulnerability and admit your own mistakes. This sets the tone for openness and learning.
Encourage and practice active listening. Show your team that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Create a feedback-rich environment. Constructive feedback, delivered empathetically, helps people grow and feel supported.
These steps are just the beginning. Creating a psychologically safe workplace is an ongoing process, and it starts with us – the leaders, the managers, and the team members.
And that's a wrap on today's topic – psychological safety in the workplace. Remember, the best teams are those where everyone feels safe to be themselves and share their ideas. As we always say here, we're 'Building Culture By Design.'
If you've enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, share, and follow for more insightful discussions. Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – I'd love to hear how psychological safety plays out in your workplace. Until next time, keep nurturing a positive and inclusive work culture.
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