Safety Collaborations MD Karin Ovari presents a masterclass on Psychological Safety

What is Psychological Safety?

·       Psychological safety is a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.

·       It is not simply about being nice, but feeling comfortable about speaking up, making mistakes, and challenging the status quo.

·       Psychological safety is essential for high-performing teams and organizations.

There are four stages of psychological safety:

·       Uncertainty: People are unsure whether it is safe to speak up.

·       Provisional: People start to speak up, but they are still cautious.

·       Committed: People feel comfortable speaking up and taking risks.

·       Regenerative: People feel safe to speak up and take risks, and they are able to learn from mistakes.

 There are several things that leaders can do to build psychological safety:

·       Modelling vulnerability.

·       Creating a culture of trust.

·       Encouraging open communication.

·       Holding people accountable for their actions.

Benefits of Psychological Safety

  • Increased creativity and innovation.
  • Improved decision-making.
  • Reduced conflict and stress.
  • Increased employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • Improved team performance.

How to Build Psychological Safety

  • Model vulnerability. Leaders who are willing to share their own mistakes and vulnerabilities create a safe space for others to do the same.
  • Create a culture of trust. When people feel that they can trust their leaders and colleagues, they are more likely to speak up and take risks.
  • Encourage open communication. Leaders should create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions, even if they are different from the majority.
  • Hold people accountable for their actions. When people are held accountable for their actions, they are more likely to take ownership of their mistakes and learn from them.

Conclusion

Psychological safety is essential for high-performing teams and organizations. By following the tips above, leaders can create a safe space where people feel comfortable speaking up, making mistakes, and challenging the status quo.