Psychological Safety, the term coined by Amy Edmondson, is becoming common language in today’s workplace. Edmondson broadly defines Psychological Safety as a climate in which people are comfortable expressing and being themselves.
It is a concept we all adhere to in theory, but the practice is much more difficult! After all, who doesn’t want a team where people are free to share ideas, ask questions, seek help and admit mistakes. Yet this is not the reality in many workplaces.
Edmondson shares research that shows when people do not feel safe they revert to silence, withdrawal and self-protection. A climate of fear results in people holding back, covering up and withholding their knowledge. As a result, innovation and creativity are hindered and ultimately productivity and profitability are affected.
The book outlines the key traits of a psychologically safe team and workplace. Interestingly, these are also the key traits of a coaching approach.
1. Listening - a culture where people feel safe to share ideas and criticisms and will feel heard without being judged or punished.
2. Curiosity – inquiry is encouraged and participation is invited. People are comfortable to share ideas and ask genuine questions for the sake of learning.
3. Humility – it is understand that no one person has all the answers and there is genuine interest to learn from others on the team.
4. Empathy – remembering that everyone faces hurdles and makes mistakes and that compassion is part of being human.
Edmondson demonstrates that a work environment with these attributes fosters employee engagement and allows for interpersonal risk taking where people feel able to speak up with ideas, questions and concerns. Trust and respect is present.
Reading ‘The Fearless Organisation’ has reinforced my belief in the importance of leaders learning and modelling these coaching skills in order to create a psychologically safe workplace. These are skills we can all learn! As Edmondson states, “Building and reinforcing psychological safety is the responsibility of leaders at all levels of the organization.”