Leadership Unveiled: Navigating the Path to a Psychologically Safe Environment

Leadership – What does it mean for you?

When you first go into management, do you have the necessary skills to undertake the role? Did they tell you that there is an expectation for you to lead your team over the finish line, time and time again?

I remember my first management role.? It was scary.? Everyone looks to you (or so you think) that you should have all the right answers.? You are in the role for a reason, aren’t you? Shouldn’t you know the answers to every problem?

This is what you aren’t told!

No, you don’t need to know the answers to everything.? When you learn this, this is when it gets exciting.? You are surrounded by various expertise, various minds that think differently, different personalities and personality traits, easy to work with people, some difficult to work with people that can be challenging.? How boring would it be to be surrounded by the same sort of people? You need this mix to bring the best out of everyone.

So, what is ‘Leadership’?

When you have a great team around you, you get the best of both worlds.

You may have the answers, but do you need to give them to your team?? How do you grow and develop your team, if you give them the answers to everything? Do they have the answers within them and they just haven’t had the chance to try?

The letting go of control is sometimes the hardest part, but when you do and allow your team to find their own way, make mistakes and learn, it’s actually quite magical.? They may need a bit of help along the way, but if you can show that you trust them (and this comes with time), they begin to trust you.? Trust is what it is all about.? When you trust your team and they trust you, there begins a relationship where you have each other’s backs.? Create a sense of family, empathy, compassion, understanding, look after each other.

When you start developing and trusting your team, performance increases, everyone is happier in their work and when the chips are down, they try their best to ensure no-one fails.?

You begin to create a psychologically safe environment.

What is a Psychologically Safe Environment?

In its simplest form, it means that anyone, including yourself as the leader, can show vulnerability, can speak up without the repercussions of being told to be quiet, you are listened to, your team members are listened to, team members can positively challenge their leaders in thought processes and vice versa.? It is a safe environment for people to be their best selves, to be allowed to grow, make mistakes and learn all the time.?

How does that sound to you?? Do you have a psychologically safe environment and if not, are you able to create one? Do you want to be a leader and have your teams follow you?? You need to earn it and you need to grow leadership within your teams.? Get to know your teams, you work with them for a really long time – create that ‘Work Family’.

So, what are your thoughts on leadership?

Supportive Material

Some supportive material around leadership by Simon Sinek which is easy listening and I hope it makes sense to you.

Leadership has nothing to do with rank

The Most Important Trait of a Leader

Simon Sinek You Tube Channel

Do you want to improve your leadership skills?

If you want to improve your leadership skills, even if you may not currently be officially in that role, please contact me via [email protected] or calling 07984744387.? This is an area where you can make life changing experiences around those you in leading for the future.