The other day, I saw some great work from a colleague, Dr Lorrain Sheridan. Addressing psychological safety generally is important, let alone the need to understand what psychological safety means for you as a leader in the workplace.
Unlocking the Power of Psychological Safety: 3 Strategies for Leaders
As leaders, we have a responsibility not only to drive results but also to nurture our teams’ well-being and psychological safety. Creating an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth. I want to share three key strategies to help you prioritise your psychological safety. By practising self-care, seeking support and feedback, and cultivating a culture of psychological safety, we can pave the way for your personal and professional growth, strengthen your leadership authenticity, and unleash the full potential of our teams.
Here are three ways, as a leader, you can look after your psychological safety:
- Practice the art of self-care: As a leader, ensure self-care is a priority in your routine. You can do this by setting appropriate boundaries, managing stress, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance. This could include deliberately taking breaks, engaging in activities promoting your well-being, seeking support when needed, and prioritising your mental health. Adopting these strategies will allow you to sustain your energy and resilience and lead by example with your team.
- Look for support and feedback: As a leader, you should aim to create an environment where you feel safe to seek support, encourage feedback from a few trusted colleagues and mentors, or ask for feedback from coaches. In this type of environment, you will be able to engage in open and honest conversations about your challenges, any concerns you may have, and your personal growth. Also, seeking external perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you gain a fresh perspective on your own leadership style.
- Create a culture of psychological safety: As a leader, you should actively establish a culture of psychological safety within your team or organisation. This could include encouraging open communication, practising active listening, valuing perspectives that are different from your own, and appreciating constructive feedback.
By utilising these techniques, you will be taking a proactive approach to looking after yourself mentally, which will positively impact your personal well-being, and your authenticity as a leader, it will enable you to make better decisions and empower you to sustain longevity and effectiveness as a leader.