Psychological Safety

Notes

Claim

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 enables open deliberation and underpins democratic society.

Explanation

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 of perspectives strengthens decision-making and understanding.

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. What matters most is often less visible than what is salient

Why it matters

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 We respond to unsafe environments in four ways.

Examples

Supporters

When people feel safe, they are more likely to be vulnerable, which can lead to stronger connection and Peer support enables collaborative growth through shared feedback and mutual learning 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 Capabilities are malleable through effort and learning.

Usually, a culture with psychological safety is also a culture of Cooperation is working together toward shared mutual benefit. 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.

Opposers

Open questions

Visual

Overview

🔼Topic:: Psychological Safety and Team Conditions ◀Origin:: 🔗Link::