Psychological Safety To Power Business Performance

Last year I made a trip back to Wisconsin to watch my nephew play in a high school basketball game. I was reminded of the profound impact of trust and psychological safety in fostering creativity and presence, both on the court and in the workplace. As leaders, understanding and cultivating these elements can unlock untapped potential in our teams, driving innovation and performance to new heights.

Watching the game, I couldn’t help but notice the contrasting coaching styles. On one side, a coach who instilled trust and confidence in his players, allowing them to take risks and play freely. On the other, a coach whose players seemed hesitant, constantly looking over their shoulders, afraid of making mistakes. The difference was palpable: the trusted players played with a sense of presence, fully immersed in the game, while the others seemed shackled by fear, unable to perform at their best. It’s only when we are fully immersed in the present moment that we unleash peak performance and creativity. This crosses over from the court to business and life.

This experience made me reflect on our work environments. How often do we, as leaders, inadvertently create environments where fear of failure stifles creativity and leads to learned helplessness? How often do we prioritize outcomes over the well-being and creative potential of our teams?

What is Psychological Safety?

Psychological safety, a term often used in organizational psychology, is crucial here. It’s about creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, voice their opinions, and challenge the status quo. When people feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to be present, fully engaged in their work, and more willing to explore new ideas.

Presence, in this context, is not just about being physically present; it’s about being mentally and emotionally present, fully engaged in the task at hand. When employees feel trusted and safe, they can tap into a state of flow, where time and space seem to disappear, and creativity flows effortlessly. All businesses exist to solve a problem. And, in a world that is constantly changing the need for creativity is at an all-time high.

As leaders, it’s our responsibility to cultivate trust and psychological safety in our teams.

Strategies to Foster Psychological Safety

1. Lead by example: Show vulnerability and admit when you don’t have all the answers. This creates a safe space for others to do the same.
2. Encourage open communication: Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns without fear of judgment.
3. Provide consistent feedback: Offer feedback in a way that is supportive and helps employees grow, rather than criticizing or belittling them.
4. Celebrate failures: Encourage a mindset that sees failure as a stepping stone to success, rather than a reason for punishment.
5. Create a sense of belonging: Help employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, where their contributions are valued and recognized.

By prioritizing trust, presence, and connection we can create a culture where people feel empowered to bring their full selves to work, leading to increased innovation, productivity, and overall well-being. As leaders, it’s our role to nurture these qualities and create environments where psychological safety is not just encouraged but celebrated.

Let’s Unlock The Power Of Presence. Together.

If you’re looking to tap into the power of presence my keynotes, workshops or coaching might be a great fit. We’ve delivered this methodology to packed ballrooms of a thousand, 10-person senior leadership teams and intimate 1-1 coaching sessions. Drop us a note to continue the conversation.