Cultivating Psychological Safety in Teams When Change is Constant

In today's dynamic workplace landscape, where change is the rule rather than the exception, cultivating psychological safety emerges as the cornerstone for resilient and innovative teams. Coined by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson , this concept isn't about shielding team members from challenges but empowering them to voice ideas boldly, feel heard and respected, learn from setbacks, and collectively achieve success.

Essential to fostering psychological safety are people managers, particularly during times of organizational turbulence akin to navigating through stormy skies. Just as a skilled pilot maintains calm, reassures passengers, and adjusts course, effective managers provide clear communication, ensure all voices are heard, bolster team morale, and adapt strategies for navigating the human side of change with precision.

Here are six essential practices to cultivate psychological safety amidst the currents of change:

#1 Encourage Open Communication: Invite team members to share ideas and concerns openly. Listen actively, without distractions and judgment.

#2 Lead by Example: Demonstrate an appropriate degree of vulnerability by acknowledging what could have gone better, admitting setbacks, and seeking input from others. This sets a precedent for openness within the team.

#3 Realign on Roles & Expectations: Clarify goals, roles, and responsibilities – and emphasize what is and is not changing. Ensure everyone understands how their work contributes to changing team priorities.

#4 Promote Psychological Safety in Team Meetings: Encourage participation from all team members. Make it a regular practice to ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak and that their contributions are acknowledged and valued.

#5 Foster a Learning Culture: Emphasize learning from missteps without fear of blame. Support experimentation of ideas and new approaches as a pathway to growth.

#6 Provide Support and Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly and support continued development. Address conflicts promptly and respectfully to maintain trust.

By cultivating an environment that celebrates openness, views missteps as valuable lessons, and ensures each team member feels respected and valued, managers don't just lead—they nurture a resilient team ready to tackle challenges head-on.

How do you cultivate a psychologically safe team environment?