Leading Psychologically Safe Cultures

When it comes to leading Psychologically Safe Cultures, it can be a little like mixing paints, because it takes a blend to get the mix right.

So what are the parts we blend that are needed to create a psychologically safe culture in our relationships, homes, workplaces and why would we even bother?

Psychologically Safe Cultures are ones that are built upon Truth, which gives rise to Trust. When we Trust, we are more vulnerable to be fully ourselves and when we are fully ourselves we create higher states of flow that bring the best out of ourselves and those around us. This is where high performance exists, a place without judgement, shame, guilt and fear. A place where it is not only OK to be you, but it is invited. It allows people to be free within a framework of values that are centred around Respect, Care and Growth.

Google recently discovered that Psychological Safety was the key attribute to success.

So what are the 4 key ingredients to Psychologically Safe Cultures.

Mindfulness is about being aware of ourselves and others. When we are mindfully aware we are able to perceive things that exist below the surface and we can create space to invite others to be more real about themselves. The best way to create a sense of safety for others, is to be vulnerable ourselves as leaders. Vulnerability is not weakness, it's actually strength! Its sharing our challenges and the emotions we experience that are part of the journey for our growth and achievements. This leadership approach gives unconscious permission to other to do the same.

Skills - Just having the title of leader does not make you one. Leadership is the ability to lead those needing your support at the critical time of strain. Sometimes its just hearing someone, other times its seeing someone and other times its guiding someone on a best path forward. These skills can be learned and cultivated to improve your abilities to lead. Supporting people in a critical time of needs is most effective when we LIFT:

• Listen with Empathic Presence
• Inquire Wisely to get to the Heart of the Matter
• Find their Needs and Support a way Forward
• Thank & Acknowledge their Character Strengths

Frequency is important in relation to how we Check In with those we support. RUOK day is a great approach to building mental health awareness in the community as an event, though not practical in every day life to ask every person, every day "Are you OK?" Being able to check in with people effectively is something that intuitive people can do well. Leaders with this ability can get a sense of those in strain and increase their connection as required. Though even the intuitive can sometimes miss signs when they become distracted by other things. So how can technology play a role in making Check Ins more effective by keeping the frequency high without being intrusive. Emotional Pulse can be an effective tool to assist in this process and provide the gift of intuition to every leader.

Empathy is a human quality that everyone possesses and some may be tuned into it more than others. Having balanced Empathy is key to supporting others. If we become so emotional by another's strain, it can limit our own ability to lead. When we lose our ability to walk beside the person on their journey, we become less effective. If we don't hold enough empathy, we can race on ahead to try rescue and solve a person's challenge for them and ultimately steal that moment of growth that was theirs to experience. Empathy is a key Character Trait for Emotional First Responders and in general for all Mental Health Practitioners.

So take the time to reflect about your blend and the culture you're creating around psychological safety for yourself, your home and your workplace. What might you add a little more of, to get your blend ideal to create flow in your world.