This week Mike sits down with Nogol Madani to dive into the world of psychological safety—what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can cultivate it within their teams. Nogol is a speaker, expert, facilitator, and the founder of Glee Factor, a company focused on transforming the way we work by helping leaders build high-performing, inclusive teams through psychological safety. Nogol has earned the trust of top organizations like Google, SAP, Rio Tinto, BeaverTails, C2 Montreal, Desjardins, and PhysioExtra, guiding them to unlock the full potential of their teams.
In this conversation they explore how creating an environment where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and be themselves is the foundation of high-performing teams. Nogol shares insights on the transition from being an individual contributor to leading a team, emphasizing the importance of shifting from a "know-it-all" mindset to a "learn-it-all" approach. Leaders who model vulnerability and encourage participation through simple actions—like regular check-ins and thoughtful follow-ups—help shape a culture of openness and collaboration. They discuss how avoiding conflict can actually stifle innovation and why tackling difficult conversations head-on is key to building trust.
They also break down the four stages of psychological safety: inclusion safety (where people feel they belong), learner safety (where curiosity thrives), contributor safety (where individuals feel valued), and challenger safety (where questioning the status quo is welcomed). Small, intentional actions can transform team culture, but it takes consistency and real effort.
The conversation also touches on how organizational culture is shaped by everyday behaviors, values, and rituals. In today’s socio-political climate, words related to diversity and inclusion can sometimes feel polarizing, but at its core, psychological safety is about creating spaces where collaboration and innovation can truly flourish. And while understanding the concept is a great first step, the real magic happens when leaders put these ideas into action.
Episode Resources:
Nogol Madani
Join "Glee Factor" free workshops or take the self-assessment to get your psychological safety score.
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