Building a Strong Culture of Psychological Safety

Here at Synaptic Potential , we conducted research and found out that there were 8 Hallmarks of High Performance - traits that made up the best leaders and managers in companies that were the most successful.

One of these Hallmarks we’ve called ‘The Culture Creator.’

If you’re a manager or leader that fits this hallmark profile, you create a workplace culture that brings out the very best in everyone by providing an environment where individuals are free to express their contributions and vulnerabilities and where people strive for continuous self-improvement.

This is the foundation of psychological safety.

Psychological safety refers to an environment where employees feel empowered to share their thoughts, opinions, and concerns without fearing negative consequences. 

It's about creating a space where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their ideas or mistakes. In a psychologically safe workplace, employees are likelier to speak up, contribute innovative ideas, and engage in healthy debates.

Harvard recently shared a piece from research by Edmonson that defined psychological safety as:

• If you make a mistake on this team, it is not held against you.
• Members of this team can bring up problems and tough issues.
• People on this team sometimes accept others for being different.
• It is safe to take a risk on this team.
• It isn’t difficult to ask other members of this team for help.
• No one on this team would deliberately act in a way that undermines my efforts.
• Working with members of this team, my unique skills and talents are valued and utilised.

The ‘Culture Creator’

The Culture Creator in an organisation role models the provision ofdes this safe space, but much more alongside it.

We have outlined leaders and managers of this profile to have the following:

• PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY - Where people feel free to express their ideas and opinions and admit mistakes without fear of recrimination.
• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT - Where people display a self-motivated desire to continually improve themselves through learning, feedback and inquiry.
• INCLUSION AND BELONGING - Where differences are respected and embraced and where people know their shared values and purpose to create a strong sense of belonging.
• HEALTH AND WELL-BEING - Where people have the flexibility to work in a way that is best for their mental and physical well-being.

Looking for a speaker? Synaptic Potential offers keynotes, workshops and seminars on the neuroscience of high performance. Get in touch with us for a programme brochure and catalogue.

What are ways that you can further build psychological safety?

1. Lead by Example:. Leaders should model open communication, vulnerability, and the willingness to admit mistakes.
2. Promote Active Listening: When employees feel heard and understood, they are more likely to share their perspectives.
3. Encourage Constructive Feedback: Create an environment where feedback is viewed as a tool for improvement rather than criticism.
4. Reward Risk-Taking: Acknowledge and reward employees who take calculated risks, even if the outcomes are not always successful.
5. Foster Inclusivity: When employees from different backgrounds and experiences feel included and valued, they are more likely to contribute unique perspectives
6. Provide Training: Offer training programs that focus on emotional intelligence, communication skills, conflict resolution, and creating a positive work environment.
7. Establish Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate that psychological safety is a priority for the organisation.
8. Continuous Improvement: Get feedback from employees through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one discussions to understand their experiences and suggestions

Share with me in the comments the little tweaks you’ve made to optimise your culture's wellbeing!

#wellbeing #leadership #management #culture #psychologicalsafety

Want a prompt sheet for some thoughtful questions that you can use in coaching conversations with people on your team? We’ve outlined 10 of our favourites in this resource-packed bundle for managers who want to upskill their coaching. Download it here: 

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