How to Contribute to Building Psychological Safety on your Team

Hi there,

Think about the last time you joined a new team. Was there a moment that eased the transition?

It was probably more like a collection of moments: fitting together to build your sense of belonging, inclusion and psychological safety.

Now think about who created those moments. Maybe it was the team leader. But I’m willing to bet that many of them came from your colleagues.

Psychological safety* is that feeling of comfort in bringing your unique contribution to a group.

It comes about as a result of strong role modelling from leaders. But we need to see it – and feel it – from all angles. So it can only be sustained with *combined* effort from *everyone* on the team.

In other words: co-creating an inclusive, safe environment for others is an essential skill to for everyone to master.?

But where do you start??

The short answer is: use your influence?

Even if you don’t lead a team or have managerial responsibility, you are role modelling to those around you all the time. Your positive influence could make all the difference in helping others feel safe to learn and contribute. Thinking about your influence in these terms will make you feel more aware of the little actions you could take every day.?Here are three tips to get you on your way:

1) Always be curious

Asking people questions is a great way to signal that you are interested in what they think and how they think.

?? Pro- tip: Take a moment to ask a colleague

• for an idea?on a project you are working on,
• or their opinion on an important issue for the team.

You'll be signalling that their contribution matters and their unique perspective is important.?And the outcome? They'll feel valued, included and safe to contribute again in the future.

2) Always be thoughtful?

Psychological safety doesn’t happen by accident. It comes as a result of thoughtful action.

?? Pro- tip: Have a think about what action you can take to improve the experience of others on your team. Like when you set up a meeting, make sure everyone understands its purpose and has plenty of context. And always give clarity on how people are expected to contribute.

3) Always be noticing???

Making sure people are recognised for doing a great job is a hugely important way to help drive their sense of belonging.

When we get positive feedback from others, it helps us believe in ourselves and lets us know that others believe in us too. It’s a really powerful message - and builds their confidence as a valued member of the team.

?? Pro- tip: Next time you notice a colleague doing something well, don’t just think it. Tell them.

Remember:

Positive change doesn't happen because someone does everything. It happens because everyone does something.

For more on building psychological safety along with your colleagues, have a look at my brand new course on LinkedIn Learning ????.

Bye for now,

Erin?

* The term Psychological Safety was originally coined by researcher William Kahn in 1990. And it was Amy C. Edmonson – a Harvard psychology professor – who brought it to the fore with her prolific and fascinating research.?

She defines it as:

?“a climate where people feel safe to contribute their ideas, thoughts and even challenges without fear of humiliation or recrimination”.

Edmonson has shown psychological safety on teams is directly linked to a whole host of positive outcomes like engagement, innovation, wellbeing and performance. And several key factors explain this.?

When people feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to:

• communicate openly with one another,
• take risks in pursuit of innovation,
• prioritise learning,
• & resolve conflicts effectively...

And it’s the combination of these interpersonal factors that lead to all of the positive outcomes we have seen in the research.?

?? This newsletter is part of a series to help you find ways to change your experience of?work?for the?better. Subscribe and you'll find it in your inbox every month.

?? And I have 9 courses on LinkedIn Learning, all based on this theme. So, if you'd like to learn more with me, you can check them out here .