Our research found that what positively influences employee well-being, engagement, and collaboration is when employees feel.
- Valued
- Respected
- Trusted
- And when the work environments are positive, transparent, and supportive, in other words, ‘psychologically safe’.
Other research confirms this and demonstrates that companies with a trusting workplace actually perform better. Do not confuse this type of work environment with being a ‘nice’ or ‘fun’ place to work. Nothing is further from the truth. According to Amy Edmondson, psychological safety isn’t about being nice. It’s about,
– Having difficult conversations,
– Voicing divergent opinions,
– Disagreeing with each other,
– Giving candid feedback,
– Being vulnerable, and
– Learning from each other.
This is what a physically, socially, and psychologically safe place to work does for your organization. It’s NOT holding back, harmony at all costs, ignoring concerns, or not listening to the issues.
The 25 Tips for Leaders Who Inspire Success that we are sending monthly help create such a culture. Dr. Edmonson argues that type of organizational culture is increasingly important in the modern economy. HBR Interview with Dr. Edmonson.
Thoughts? Interested in more information? Contact us for a whitepaper or to schedule a presentation on this topic.