Thriving in Complexity: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever

In today's competitive landscape, prioritizing psychological safety should be at the top of every organization's agenda. Pioneering researcher Amy Edmondson emphasizes that psychologically safe workplaces aren't just desirable, they're essential for fostering innovation and achieving high performance.

When employees feel safe to ask questions, voice concerns, and take calculated risks, they become more engaged and contribute more effectively to shared goals. This sense of security allows them to bring their full selves to work, fostering creativity and a willingness to collaborate and learn from each other.

The current state of affairs however paints a concerning picture. A staggering 50% of employees lack confidence in their managers ability to lead their teams to success in the next two years, and only 50% trust the organization.? In addition, only 64% of organizations trust their employees. Research by Deloitte shows that a focus on trust and transparency is critically important for both leaders and employees.

The consequences of a distrustful environment are significant. Gartner found that employees who distrust their organization are three times more likely to leave, and those who stay are less likely to share ideas or go the extra mile. This disengagement translates to lower levels of creativity, innovation, and productivity.

The good news is that psychological safety can be cultivated. It has to start with leadership. People leaders must take the first step by extending the olive branch and actively cultivating trust.

Here are some key actions people leaders can take:

Encourage Open Communication: Proactively solicit employee feedback through regular one-on-one meetings and skip-level meetings. Embrace curiosity, ask open-ended questions and allow employees the opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns. Actively listen and demonstrate genuine interest. Organize listening circles and focus groups to provide opportunities for broader participation and diverse perspectives. When organizations provide opportunities for intentional interaction, their employees are 5 times as likely to be on a high performing team.?

Involve and Co-Create: Involve employees in co-creating solutions, shaping strategic priorities, and defining workflows. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and belonging, as employees see their ideas reflected in the organization's direction and daily work.

Connect to Purpose: Help employees connect their individual tasks to the organization's overarching goals. By understanding the bigger picture and how their work contributes to something larger, employees gain a sense of meaning and purpose. This fosters greater engagement and motivation. As McKinsey advises “Help your employees find purpose or watch them leave”.?

Lead by Example: The best leaders aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. Leaders who aren't afraid to share their own challenges and learnings demonstrate vulnerability and this authenticity fosters trust and creates a safe space for others to do the same. Employees are more likely to speak up and take risks when they see their leaders doing the same.?

Embrace Failure for Growth: Normalize failure as a learning opportunity and promote a "fail fast, learn faster" mentality. Encourage a culture that values experimentation and views mistakes as stepping stones on the path to improvement, not reasons for blame or shame. By fostering this growth mindset, you empower employees to take calculated risks and push boundaries, leading to innovation and progress.

By prioritizing psychological safety, leaders can cultivate a thriving work environment where trust, innovation, and employee engagement can flourish. This commitment not only enhances organizational resilience but also empowers teams to adapt and thrive in complexity.?

Recommended Resources?

The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson

About Institute of Positive Leadership

At IPL, we help people leaders elevate performance and well-being. We understand the urgent need for teams to adapt, grow, and excel in today's fast-paced environment, without burning out. Our programs are designed to focus on core competencies that are essential to workplace well-being and proven to have a transformative impact on leadership and team performance. Whether you are targeting emerging, new or senior-level leaders, we pinpoint pivotal skills that employees need to thrive at every stage of their career. Reach out to [email protected] to bring our programs to your organization.