Make it Safe for Employees to Speak Up with Connie Noonan Hadley (S5: EP1)
Oct 28, 2024
Connie Noonan Hadley, an organizational psychologist and founder of the Institute for Life at Work, dives into the concept of psychological safety in the workplace. She reveals how silence among employees can signal deeper issues, not productivity. Connie outlines practical leader behaviors to foster an environment of open feedback and discusses the link between psychological safety and employee well-being. Plus, she introduces her Unite framework to strengthen workplace connections and addresses the detrimental effects of overloaded meetings on creativity.
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Psychological Safety Drives Problem-Solving
- Psychological safety lets employees take interpersonal risks without fear of punishment.
- These risks (admitting mistakes, offering ideas, challenging norms) surface problems faster and boost innovation.
Create Clear Invitations And Rewards
- Make speaking up personally worthwhile by explaining why each person benefits from speaking up.
- Give clear invitations and emphasize positive consequences like thank-yous and rewards to reduce perceived punishment.
Follow Up Invitations With Time And Action
- Follow an invitation to speak up with a committed channel and protected time, like a scheduled one-on.
- Listen attentively and follow up with acknowledgement and action even if you don't accept every idea.





