Fostering Psychological Safety

Something I've been thinking a lot about lately: #psychologicalsafety

Psychological safety is defined as creating an environment in which anyone in an organization is comfortable voicing concerns, suggestions, and ideas.

People can bring their entire, authentic self to work.

Without fear.

Without shame.

Without reservation.

In the highly complex, uncertain, unpredictable, interdependent and at times hierarchical setting of healthcare, it can be difficult for individuals to raise concerns without having concerns of retaliation, dismissal, or other negative consequences.

How do we create psychological safety?

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement suggests the following actions that leaders should take to foster psychological safety:

1) Frame the work - recognize that the work that we do in healthcare is serious. Individuals lives are at risk. The potential for error is high.

2) Model fallibility & invite input - share with others that you do not have all the answers. Mention that you might miss something in discussing the issue. Ask others for their perspective.

3) Embrace messengers - when others contribute - thank them. Simple statements of positive reinforcement emphasizes the message that they are heard, valued, and should continue to contribute their concerns and perspectives.

Why is psychological safety so important?

If our organizations are psychologically unsafe, individuals will not speak up when there is a concern, will not contribute their ideas and therefore innovation will be stifled, and in patient care scenarios, patient safety can be at risk.

What small thing will you do today to increase psychological safety?