Trigger Strategy
012: Psychological safety is an emergent property
Jan 16, 2024
Explore the intriguing concept of psychological safety and its critical role in team dynamics. Discover how it's an emergent property, influenced by various aspects of workplace culture, rather than something that can be simply turned on. Hear personal anecdotes that reveal the complexities of employee loyalty and the harsh realities of competitive environments. The discussion challenges common misconceptions about workplace toxicity and the subjective nature of support within teams, shedding light on what truly fosters trust and collaboration.
21:10
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Quick takeaways
- Psychological safety is an emergent property shaped by various team dynamics and organizational culture rather than a straightforward outcome.
- Individual perceptions of psychological safety vary greatly among team members, highlighting its subjective nature in differing workplace environments.
Deep dives
Understanding Psychological Safety
Psychological safety is highlighted as a crucial element of team culture, yet it's complex and not easily attainable. The concept gained prominence from a Google study that correlated psychological safety with high-performing teams, where team members felt safe to speak up and challenge ideas without fear of repercussions. However, the discussion points out that this notion may not hold universally, as different environments can yield varying levels of safety and performance. An example given is Revolut, a company known for high performance but with a culture that lacks traditional psychological safety, emphasizing the idea that results can emerge from different workplace dynamics.
