Learning about Psychological Safety from Mountain Goats

I'll never forget the day I learned about psychological safety from a herd of mountain goats, high on Mount Timpanogos in Utah.

I was on a mountaineering adventure, eager to challenge myself and see some of the world's most magnificent mountain ranges up close. As I trekked deeper into the wilderness, I came across a herd of mountain goats grazing on a steep, rocky slope.

I stopped to watch them, marveling at how effortlessly they navigated the treacherous terrain. But as I observed them, I noticed something interesting about their behavior. Despite the dangerous conditions, the goats seemed completely at ease with one another. They playfully butt heads, jostled for position, and even shared their grazing space without any signs of aggression.

I couldn't help but wonder: how do these animals manage to coexist in such a high-stress environment? And that's when it hit me: psychological safety.

Psychological safety is a term to describe the belief that one can speak up, ask questions, and take risks without fear of punishment or humiliation. In a business context, it refers to the culture of an organization that enables employees to bring their whole selves to work, share their ideas freely, and collaborate effectively.

But as I watched those mountain goats, I realized that psychological safety isn't just a business concept - it's a fundamental human need that transcends organizational boundaries. After all, if these animals can create a sense of safety and trust in a life-or-death situation, why can't we do the same in our own lives and workplaces?

So how do the mountain goats do it? Here are a few lessons I learned from watching them:

#1: They establish clear boundaries: The goats knew their territory and were quick to assert themselves if another goat encroached on their space. In the workplace, establishing clear boundaries can help prevent misunderstandings and build trust among team members.

#2: They communicate effectively: The goats had a range of vocalizations and body language cues that helped them convey their intentions to one another. In the workplace, effective communication can help prevent conflicts and build stronger relationships.

#3: They share resources: The goats didn't hoard their grazing space or food - instead, they shared it freely with their herd mates. In the workplace, sharing resources can help create a culture of generosity and collaboration.

#4: They play: Despite the dangers of their environment, the goats took time to play and interact with one another. In the workplace, taking breaks to have fun and build relationships can help create a positive and productive work environment.

As I watched those mountain goats, I realized that we can learn a lot from the natural world about how to create a sense of safety and trust in our own lives and workplaces. By establishing clear boundaries, communicating effectively, sharing resources, and taking time to play, we can build stronger relationships and create a culture of psychological safety that enables us to thrive.

Note: The photo at top is 100% real (although it looks fake, right?). I had just summited Mount Timpanogos when I hiked around a corner and there they were! I did get some help from ChatGPT to write the article, which I thought of, prompted in, then edited. What do you think?