Psychological Safety Playbook

Info

5 Levers to Increase Psychological Safey

Play #5Design Inclusive Rituals

Play #4Embrace Risk and Failure

Play #3Manage Your Reactions

Play #2Master the Art of Listening

Play #1Communicate Courageously

Leading More Powerfully by Being More Human by: K. Helbig & M. Norman

The Psychological Safety Playbook

Click Here

Declare you want Feedback - Plan for why, what, when, and how you will collect and reflect on feedback. Set Expectations - Be explict in saying that you do not expect everyone to agree with everything you've said, and that you want to avoid false harmony and groupthinking. Open the Conversation - Ask "What am I missing?" and pause. Wait for others to respond with their viewpoints. Keep the Door Open - If no one responds, let them know that you are sure you haven't thought of every angle and that you would value their thoughts at anytime. Express Gratitute - Thank others for speaking up. For example "I truly appreaciate your valuable feedback and honest opinion. I know it's not always easy to be the dissenting voice.

Summary: When you admit you don't have all the answers and you're open to other perspecitves, you create an environment where everyone's viewpoint is welcome and valued.

Communicate Courageously

Start-

Move #1: Welcome Other Viewpoints

Click Here

Set the Tone - Tell your team you expect them to challenge one another's ideas without demeaning or embarrassing anyone. Healthy dissent could sound like, "That's one angle I hadn't thought of. The way I see the problem is..." Thank Them - When someone shares a view point, thank them and then say, "That's one viewpoint. Let's hear some dissent." Play Devil's Advocate - If no one responds, ask someone to play devil's advocate and offer an opposing viewpoint. Alternative Feedback - Offer diverse ways to collect feedback (tool, survey, email, chat, etc.) so everyones communication styles and comfort leveles are honored. Pay Attention - Listen for how people are responding and communicating to each other. Remind the team that they're expected and encouraged to disagree with on another's ideas in a way that isn't insulting or hurtful.

Summary: When you invite healthy dissent from your team, you ensure that diverse perspectives will be heard, resulting in better outcomes.

Communicate Courageously

Start-

Move #2: Solicit Diverse Perspectives

Click Here

Notice What You're Feeling - Notice when you experience a strong (pleasant or unpleasent) and pay attention to your emotional reaction: heat racing, whole body tensing, smiling, moving around, etc. Share What You're Feeling - When If you are having an emotional reaction, it's okay to share that with colleagues. For example, "That feedback hit me harder than expected, and I'd like a minute to think about what I just heard before I respond." Take a Break - If you're not feeling calm enough to have a productive exchange with others, take a break. Breathe - Taking a few deep breaths can relieve stress and anxiety due to its physiological effect on the nervouse system. Deep diaphragmatic breathing switches on our parasympathetic nervous system (which calms the body) and activates our vagus nerve (a key part of the brain's social engagement system).By breathing deeply, we are calmer and kinder and thus better able to engage with others.

Summary: Express you own emotions. When you authentically share your emotions with others, you engender a sense of trust and humanity in yourself as a leader.

Communicate Courageously

Start-

Move #3: Open Up

Click Here

"I don't have a great answer to that right now" - When you are asked a question that you don't have an answer to, don't try to make one up or side-step the question. Get Back to Them - Tell the person who asked the question that you're interested in getting an answer and ask them it it's okay for you to get back to them. If you're in a larger group, ask if anyone has information on the topic or an idea they are willing to share. Help! - If you need help with something, explicitly state to your team that you are asking for help. Tell them what you are struggling with and ask who would like to help. You can set-up a collaborative, idea generating session. Give Permission - Give your team permission to ask for help. Celebrate the questions and requests for help and share the learnings from them.

Summary: Admitting we don't know something is a highly vulnerable behavior. When you openly ask for help and admit what you don't know as a leader, you encourage and create conditions for continous learning and improvement.

Communicate Courageously

Start-

Move #4: Take Off the Mask of Perfection

Home Page

Find Your Own Style - You don't have to be a comedian. Don't feel pressured to make jokes you are uncomfortable with. Experiment and find your own approach. Humor Radar - Turn on your humor radar. Reflect regularly on funny things at work that you hear or see, describe them in detail, and give them a title. Ask yourself, "What would be funny about my situation if I weren't involved in it?" Collect and Share - Compile a set of funny episodes you can share in different situations. Tell these stories and refine them as you go. Notice the bonding effect that's created when you share your very human experiences in an honest and humorous way. Be Very Aware - Avoid anything that might be offensive, hurtful, or inappropriate. Be aware of cultural differences, as some humor only works for a specific audience. Making fun of yourseld is often a great starting point for introducing levity.

Summary: Laugh more! Laughter is healthy and fosters connection and trust. When you lead with a sense of humor, you foster engagement and motivation, making it possible for people to contribute their best.

Communicate Courageously

Start-

Move #5: Nurture a Sense of Humor

Home Page

Find Your Own Style - You don't have to be a comedian. Don't feel pressured to make jokes you are uncomfortable with. Experiment and find your own approach. Humor Radar - Turn on your humor radar. Reflect regularly on funny things at work that you hear or see, describe them in detail, and give them a title. Ask yourself, "What would be funny about my situation if I weren't involved in it?" Collect and Share - Compile a set of funny episodes you can share in different situations. Tell these stories and refine them as you go. Notice the bonding effect that's created when you share your very human experiences in an honest and humorous way. Be Very Aware - Avoid anything that might be offensive, hurtful, or inappropriate. Be aware of cultural differences, as some humor only works for a specific audience. Making fun of yourseld is often a great starting point for introducing levity.

Summary: Laugh more! Laughter is healthy and fosters connection and trust. When you lead with a sense of humor, you foster engagement and motivation, making it possible for people to contribute their best.

Master the Art of Listening

Start-

Move #1: Nurture a Sense of Humor

More Information - Click Here