A definition
Psychological safety is a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking without fear of repercussion. People feel able to speak up when needed, with relevant ideas, questions, or concerns. without fear of humiliation, rejection or not being liked.
Interpersonal risk includes being able to;
Speak up, ask questions, mention concerns
Admit mistakes and vulnerability
Talk about a sensitive topic openly and disagree
Be authentic and ‘bring their full selves to work’
Amy Edmondson The Fearless Organisation
Teams with it
Curiosity to ask questions and think big
Trust between employees
Open-mindedness to change, perspectives, take on new ideas.
Self-motivation and a sense of purpose
Resilience in confronting and overcoming conflict
B Frederikson
Teams without it
Employees don’t ask many questions during meetings.
Employees don’t feel comfortable owning up to mistakes
The team avoids difficult conversations and hot-button topics.
Executives and team leaders tend to dominate meeting discussions.
There are hardly any disagreements or differing points of view.
The Predictive Index
Self-assessment:
If you are in a psychologically safe place you should be able to answer with a confident 'yes!' to the following statements.
I feel comfortable asking questions.
I feel safe disagreeing with the way the organisation does things.
I am accepted as a member of my team.
The organisation supports my efforts to learn.
The organisation values my contribution.
I'm treated with respect.
I have the freedom to challenge the status quo.
I'm encouraged to contribute as much as I can in my role.
The organisation allows me to do my job.
I'm allowed to learn from my mistakes.
I can take reasonable risks without being punished
Resources
For a free organisational scan visit the Fearless Organisation website
Simon Sinek shares his definition in this short video
Why you cant have genuine equality, diversity and inclusion without it discussed in this blog by Amy Edmondson
No One Left Out
Claire Ritchie
Director
07722761483
@piepeoples