In the rapidly evolving world of technology, where innovation and collaboration are paramount, there lies a foundational element that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for the success of any organization: Safety. As a CTO, you may be overseeing a large team, with managers and directors reporting to you. The sheer size of your team might mean that you're not in close contact with everyone. However, this distance should not be mistaken for a lack of responsibility towards the well-being of each member.
Psychological safety refers to an environment where your team members feel secure enough to take risks, voice their opinions, and be themselves without the fear of retribution or ridicule. Our team members want to be valued, heard, and respected. The challenge lies in recognizing the levels of psychological safety within your organization and taking proactive measures to ensure you are crafting and maintaining an open and welcoming environment.
It's easy to assume that everything is running smoothly, especially when deliverables are being met and there's no overt conflict. However, beneath the surface, team members might be compensating for the dangers they perceive. These dangers aren't always blatant acts of discrimination or bullying. They can be subtle, like the hesitation of a developer before sharing an idea or their silence during team meetings. These subtle signs can be indicative of much deeper issues.
Beyond the business implications, there's a moral responsibility that comes with leadership. No leader wants to preside over an environment where team members feel threatened or undervalued. It's not just about the bottom line; it's also about creating a space where everyone thrives. When people thrive, there is less psychological burden on them, which leads to much more productive outcomes.
It’s important to also remember that while some people on your team might feel safe, others likely do not. Safety isn’t selective, we want to ensure we are providing safety for all.
As you navigate the complexities of leadership, remember that psychological safety is not a luxury; it's a necessity. It requires continuous effort, introspection, and the willingness to listen and adapt. By prioritizing the well-being of your team, you’re creating the conditions in which you and your team can flourish.
Psychological safety, a cornerstone of thriving teams and successful organizations, is not a singular concept but a layered foundation. Each layer, built upon the previous, creates a holistic environment where individuals can innovate, collaborate, and drive success. Understanding these layers is crucial, as each one reinforces and strengthens the next, creating a robust framework for team dynamics. A person cannot perform at the higher levels without first having the lower level foundations in place.
(1) Inclusion
The foundational layer of psychological safety is inclusion. Before any other aspect can be addressed, every team member must feel seen, heard, and valued. This means creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every voice, irrespective of background or position, holds weight.
As this foundation is laid, it sets the stage for the subsequent layers. Without genuine inclusion, the other aspects of psychological safety remain out of reach.
(2) Safety to Learn
With inclusion established, the environment becomes conducive for the person to continuous learn. Here, mistakes are not sources of penalty but opportunities for growth and understanding.
A culture that supports learning naturally evolves into one where individuals feel empowered to contribute. The confidence gained from being a learner facilitates the transition to becoming a contributor.
(3) Safety to Contribute
In this phase, team members feel safe enough to actively participate, share ideas, and feel that their contributions significantly impact the organization's trajectory.
Once individuals are active contributors, they gain the confidence and perspective to challenge existing norms and processes, leading to the final layer of psychological safety.
(4) Safety to Challenge
This is the pinnacle of psychological safety. Here, individuals are not just passive participants but active, productive challengers. They question, innovate, and push boundaries, driving the organization towards continuous improvement and growth.