It’s a Team Sport! 4 Ways Employees Can Create Psychologically Safe Environments

This week as I ventured into my Sunday evening refuge my thoughts were heavy

on the ill effects of the lack of psychological safety. Perhaps stemming from the fact

my wife and I had recently discussed an article on the matter. The article in many

ways focused on what leaders should do to create a psychologically safe

environment.

Having been a leader for many years and realizing the strength of the “we” as

opposed to the strength of the “I” I asked myself the question, what responsibility

should staff assume in helping to create psychologically safe environments? To that

question, I conducted a brief research coupled with my experiences as a leader and

follower and walked away with several brief thoughts to aid in building

psychologically safe environments.

Staff can play a significant role in helping leaders overcome psychological safety

challenges by taking the following actions:

1. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer honest and constructive feedback to leaders about the team's dynamics and the organizational culture.
   

2. Model Vulnerability: Demonstrate vulnerability and openness in interactions with leaders and colleagues. Such actions can help foster a culture of trust and openness.
   

3. Communicate Needs and Concerns: Communicate openly with leaders about any concerns or challenges related to psychological safety within the team or organization.
   

4. Support Peer Relationships: Encourage positive peer relationships and teamwork

within the organization. Staff members can support their colleagues, offer

assistance when needed, and foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Participate in Education and Developmental Opportunities: Engage in

education and development opportunities focused on communication, conflict

resolution, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

By working together collaboratively and with external intervention such as a coach

leaders and staff can create a culture of psychological safety where everyone feels

valued, respected, healthy, and empowered to succeed. It is a “team sport”!