How Safe Do You Feel at Work with Scott Chambers

This week, Scott Chambers joins us to talk about psychological safety in teams. Episode Highlights [11:29] What Does Low Psychological Safety Look Like? Difficulty collaborating is because of low psychological safety. People in low safety environments can exhibit unresponsiveness. We always want to be heard, but we don’t always listen. [14:52] How to Improve Team Dynamics We need to create a space that acknowledges the instinct to be defensive. Then, help people go beyond this initial reaction. At the heart of a safe environment is the assumption of positive intent. [16:38] Assume Positive Intent Our body naturally identifies threats, but it can misidentify helpful things. Practice seeing positive intent in others. It helps if teams work as a group to resolve disputes. [22:10] Trust and Psychological Safety Trust exists between two entities based on individual relationships. Psychological safety, on the other hand, is a systematic relationship. [28:44] What to Do as a Leader If you feel you’re surrounded by yes-men, step back and invite ideas. As a leader, your job is to ask good questions and genuinely listen. Develop your listening skills by summarising what you hear. [32:41] What to Do as a Team Member If you’re a team member, you can change the culture with vulnerability. Vulnerability means admitting your mistakes to solve them. [37:05] Change the Culture The more people can freely admit and laugh at their mistakes, the better your team performance will be. Change the culture and make vulnerability a habit. [40:41] Does Safety Decrease with Hierarchy? Seniors and bosses hold power even if they don’t realise it. Leaders need to be more welcoming of people and their feelings. [42:56] Safety Is Not Comfort Psychological safety is not comfort. What you want is a safe and uncomfortable environment. It’s only while we’re uncomfortable when we can trigger the vulnerability. [44:36] Scott’s Top Tips Catch yourself whenever you feel defensive or afraid to speak up. Lead with vulnerability. Seek positive intent. Enjoyed This Podcast? Write a review and share this with your friends. Sign up for a FREE workbook. Join the Shapes Collective Facebook group. Find out more about our training here. Email Rachel or reach her on LinkedIn or Twitter. Podcast Links The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmondson. 3GHR — Management Leadership Coaching & Management Training Follow 3GHR: Twitter | Facebook Connect with Scott: LinkedIn | Email www.permissiontothrive.org a new CPD membership for Doctors Mentioned in this episode: Am I Stressed, Overwhelmed... or Burning Out? Get honest with yourself — discover what’s really going on, and what to do next. ⭐️ Book Your FrogFest Ticket Now