Psychological Safety-Tips for Managers

Key Strategies for Providing Psychological Safety

Model Vulnerability:

• Actions: Share your own mistakes and learning experiences.
• Example: During meetings, openly discuss challenges you’ve faced and how you addressed them.

Encourage Open Dialogue:

• Actions: Actively invite and value input from all team members.
• Example: Use inclusive language and ask for opinions during discussions, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute.

Respond Constructively:

• Actions: React positively to all feedback and ideas, even if they are critical or differ from your own views.
• Example: Acknowledge contributions with phrases like, "That’s an interesting perspective," and build on them.

Create Safe Spaces for Discussion:

• Actions: Establish environments where team members feel comfortable sharing thoughts without judgment.
• Example: Hold regular, informal meetings (e.g., "Coffee with the Manager") to discuss ideas and concerns in a relaxed setting.

Promote Inclusive Practices:

• Actions: Ensure all voices are heard, especially those who may be less outspoken.
• Example: Use round-robin techniques in meetings to give everyone an equal opportunity to speak.

Establish Clear Norms:

• Actions: Set and communicate clear expectations about respectful and supportive interactions.
• Example: Develop team norms that emphasise respect, active listening, and constructive feedback.

Support Risk-Taking:

• Actions: Encourage experimentation and view mistakes as learning opportunities.
• Example: Celebrate innovations and discuss what was learned from unsuccessful attempts without assigning blame.

Provide Regular Feedback:

• Actions: Give and solicit feedback frequently, focusing on growth and development.
• Example: Implement a 360-degree feedback system to ensure comprehensive and balanced feedback.

Recognise and Address Power Dynamics:

• Actions: Be mindful of how power dynamics affect team interactions and address any imbalances.
• Example: Empower junior team members by giving them leadership roles in projects.

Foster Team Connection:

• Actions: Build strong interpersonal relationships within the team to enhance trust and collaboration.
• Example: Organise team-building activities and encourage social interactions.