Elizabeth Vahey Smith on How Leaders can be Trauma Informed and Create Psychological Safety on Teams

This podcast episode centers on the pivotal role of psychological safety in leadership and team dynamics, as articulated by our esteemed guest, Elizabeth Vahey Smith. She shares how leaders can cultivate environments where team members feel secure, thereby enhancing collaboration and effectiveness. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the significance of trauma-informed approaches in leadership, emphasizing the need to understand individual backgrounds and emotional experiences. Elizabeth shares practical strategies that leaders can implement to foster psychological safety, ultimately allowing teams to thrive in their mission. We aim to equip our listeners with the insights necessary to navigate the complexities of leadership and create supportive spaces that facilitate growth and healing.

Takeaways:

• This podcast episode emphasizes the critical importance of psychological safety in leadership, which allows team members to express concerns without fear of repercussions.
• Leaders are encouraged to be trauma-informed, recognizing that past experiences can influence current behaviors and responses in the workplace.
• The conversation highlights practical strategies for leaders to foster an environment of trust and transparency, which significantly enhances team cohesion and performance.
• A key theme is the distinction between intention and impact, urging leaders to communicate effectively while being mindful of how their words may affect others emotionally.