Encourage an Environment that Welcomes Open Dialogue from Staff Members
In volatile financial climates, people may choose to play it safe rather than take risks, even in their professional lives. This cautious approach translates to a scarcity of honest feedback, hesitation to question plans, and reluctance to put forward suggestions. However, these interactions are vital, particularly in tough times, as they help companies adapt and evolve [1].
Team leaders have a significant role to play in encouraging openness within their teams. By establishing a psychological safety net, employees feel secure in voicing their concerns, criticism, or fresh ideas, without the fear of being penalized. It's essential for personal career growth and the overall success of the organization, especially in uncertain economic conditions [1].
Silence's Deceptive Comfort
Employees are often reluctant to take the initiative or face risks that might harm their careers. Speaking up may benefit the company or its customers, but it rarely benefits the employee directly [1]. On the other hand, staying quiet ensures a sense of security from exposure. Yet, it's the team leaders' responsibility to show their employees that it's worthwhile to speak up [1].
Audit Yourself and Your Workplace
It isn't just the employees who hesitate to speak their minds. As individuals climb the corporate ladder, the pressure to stay quiet escalates. Many team leaders themselves fail to voice their opinions when necessary, thereby inadvertently perpetuating this culture [1].
To foster open communication, team leaders should first examine their behaviors and distribute feedback honestly. Auditing actions and behaviors will help leaders understand their organization's risk tolerance and identify areas for improvement [2].
When psychological safety is low, it affects both the leader's and the team's behavior subtly. Rather than forcing change, the focus should be on creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and encouraged to participate [2].
Crafting a Culture of Psychological Safety
- Clear Explanations: Explain to employees the importance of speaking up in the current business landscape. Link their contributions to the organization's success and growth [2].
- Targeted Invitations: Develop specific invitations for feedback, addressing issues that require their input. Ask questions to gauge their perspectives and ensure they feel valued as contributors [2].
- No Punitive Actions: Address any negative reactions stemming from feedback immediately and openly. Maintain a positive and appreciative demeanor, signaling that their input is valuable [2].
- Recognize and Reward: Appreciate the feedback received by expressing gratitude publicly and privately. Regular recognition incentivizes employees to share their ideas and suggestions [2].
Cultivating psychological safety among employees will encourage them to voice their concerns and suggestions fearlessly, especially in challenging times. This could help organizations adapt, innovate, and potentially chart a new path towards growth and prosperity [1].
Speak Up: Making It Safe for Employees – Especially in Uncertain Times by Constance Noonan Hadley, Mark Mortensen, and Amy C. Edmondson, Harvard Business Review, April 2023
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Informal and straightforward take on promoting psychological safety in the workplace, particularly during challenging economic times, by emphasizing the benefits to both employees and the organization, and providing practical suggestions for fostering such an environment. [4], [3] professional insights, [5] psychological perspective.
- Leaders should recognize the importance of psychological safety in the workplace, as it encourages employees to voice their concerns and ideas, benefiting both personal career growth and the organization's overall success.
- To create an atmosphere of psychological safety, leaders should be open to feedback, question their risk tolerance, and actively reward and appreciate constructive input from employees.
- By adopting these practices, leaders can help their teams feel accepted, encouraged, and more likely to speak up during uncertain times, which might lead to innovation and growth.
