Psychological Safety

Notes

Psychological safety is the commonplace acceptance (usually in a workplace) that a person can express opinions and ideas without getting punished for saying them Freedom of speech. In most situations, this is either when a worker has made a mistake and is afraid of admitting it, or when they are a minority for a specific opinion within the company Diversity.

This is especially relevant in hierarchical situations. For example, if a boss can say anything but the workers have to watch what their saying, this is not a case of psychological safety. Similarly, a company where the bosses would never punish anyone for speaking up, but the workers are not aware of that, this is still not a case of psychological safety.

Meaning that it requires both fulfilling it, and making the workers be aware of it. Visibility

Psychological safety increases the chances that workers will choose to voice their concerns and speak up instead of leaving, maintaining the status quo or become a secret saboteur Organizational Conflict.

When people feel safe, they are more likely to be vulnerable, which can lead to stronger connection and peer support among colleagues. Similarly, when people feel safe, they are much more likely to admit their mistakes, and do what it takes to learn and improve, rather than hide and deflect. It what leads to a learning culture Growth Mindset.

Usually, a culture with psychological safety is also a culture of Cooperation. People feel as if they are working towards a shared goal, which is why they support rather than punish people who failed, because punishing them doesn't support the common goal.

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Overview

🔼Topic:: Team Management (MOC) ◀Origin:: 🔗Link::