How do you handle feedback and conflict in a psychologically safe way?

1 What is psychological safety?

Psychological safety is a term coined by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson to describe the belief that you can speak up, take risks, and be yourself in a work environment without being punished or rejected. It is not about being nice or avoiding conflicts, but about fostering a climate of mutual learning and collaboration. Research has shown that psychological safety can boost creativity, innovation, engagement, and productivity in teams and organizations.

2 Why is feedback important?

Feedback is essential for learning, growth, and improvement. It helps you identify your strengths and areas for development, align your goals and expectations, and celebrate your achievements. However, feedback can also trigger negative emotions, such as anxiety, anger, or defensiveness, especially if it is delivered or received poorly. To handle feedback in a psychologically safe way, you need to adopt a growth mindset, which means seeing feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve, rather than as a judgment or a threat.

3 How to give feedback effectively?

Giving feedback is a skill and a responsibility, as it involves helping others grow and succeed while also avoiding hurting their feelings or damaging your relationship. To be effective when giving feedback, you should aim to be specific and timely with your comments, providing them as soon as possible after the event and focusing on concrete behaviors and outcomes rather than personality or character traits. Additionally, you should strive to be constructive and supportive, offering positive feedback alongside constructive criticism. Furthermore, the tone and language you use should be respectful and empathetic, avoiding blaming, shaming, or attacking the person. It’s important to understand their perspective and emotions so that you can express your feedback in a way that they can hear and accept. Acknowledge their efforts and achievements to show that you care about their development.

5 What is conflict?

Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of human interactions. It occurs when there is a disagreement, difference, or incompatibility between two or more parties over their goals, values, beliefs, or interests. Conflict can be constructive or destructive, depending on how it is managed. Constructive conflict can lead to better outcomes, solutions, and relationships, while destructive conflict can result in stress, resentment, and dysfunction.

6 How to manage conflict constructively?

Managing conflict constructively requires skill, courage, and patience. To do so effectively, you must address the issue, communicate openly and honestly, and reach a resolution that satisfies both parties. This can be done by identifying the root cause of the conflict, expressing your feelings and needs using assertive communication, listening empathically to the other party's feelings and needs without judging or interrupting them, and collaborating to find a mutually acceptable solution. Exploring different options and being willing to compromise can help ensure a win-win outcome that benefits both parties while preserving the relationship.