Healthy Mind
From Boardroom to Living Room:
Fostering Psychological Safety in All Your Relationships
October 2024
By Jenipher D. Cornelius, DSL
You may have heard of the concept of psychological safety, as it has gained significant traction lately, particularly in the business world. I can assure you; it is not a buzz word or a quick trend that will come and go. Psychological safety is a concept that is rooted in trust and open communication.
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, refers to psychological safety as the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and make mistakes without facing harsh judgment or repercussions. How nice would this environment be at work? How about at home? It’s critical to have both, as it can profoundly impact relationships, productivity, and overall well-being. We are at a time in our lives where we need to prioritize the environments we create for ourselves and others. We control how we show up and how we treat others. Ask yourself: Am I quick to judge? Do I shut down opinions quickly? What would my loved ones and colleagues say?
Psychological Safety at Work
Psychological safety in the workplace should be top of mind for all leaders. The benefits have been well researched, including Google’s Project Aristotle. Understanding the importance and relevance is one thing, while initiating and cultivating it is another. Benefits of psychological safety include open communication and innovation, reduced workplace stress, and equity and inclusion. While this is not an exhaustive list, it covers some big ones.
You may have heard of the concept of psychological safety, as it has gained significant traction lately, particularly in the business world. I can assure you; it is not a buzz word or a quick trend that will come and go. Psychological safety is a concept that is rooted in trust and open communication.
Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, refers to psychological safety as the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and make mistakes without facing harsh judgment or repercussions. How nice would this environment be at work? How about at home? It’s critical to have both, as it can profoundly impact relationships, productivity, and overall well-being. We are at a time in our lives where we need to prioritize the environments we create for ourselves and others. We control how we show up and how we treat others. Ask yourself: Am I quick to judge? Do I shut down opinions quickly? What would my loved ones and colleagues say?
Psychological Safety at Work
Psychological safety in the workplace should be top of mind for all leaders. The benefits have been well researched, including Google’s Project Aristotle. Understanding the importance and relevance is one thing, while initiating and cultivating it is another. Benefits of psychological safety include open communication and innovation, reduced workplace stress, and equity and inclusion. While this is not an exhaustive list, it covers some big ones.
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Open Communication and Innovation Employees should feel empowered to express their ideas, concerns and feedback without fear of ridicule or retribution. For women, who may often face additional societal pressures and biases, this environment is important. When we feel safe to voice opinions, a culture of open communication and innovation evolves, which can lead to higher-performing teams. Reduction of Workplace Stress |
"Employees should feel empowered to express their ideas, concerns and feedback without fear of ridicule or retribution. For women, who may often face additional societal pressures and biases, this environment is important." ~ J.C. |
Psychological safety helps in reducing workplace stress, which is especially important for women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. When team members know they are supported and valued, it reduces anxiety and promotes mental well-being. This, in turn, enhances productivity and job satisfaction, which can prevent burnout and turnover.
Equity and Inclusion
Creating a psychologically safe workplace also promotes equity and inclusion. Women are more likely to participate actively and contribute to decision-making processes when they feel respected and safe to do so. This leads to more balanced and fair outcomes, benefiting the entire organization. When businesses prioritize psychological safety, they are creating an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender.
Equity and Inclusion
Creating a psychologically safe workplace also promotes equity and inclusion. Women are more likely to participate actively and contribute to decision-making processes when they feel respected and safe to do so. This leads to more balanced and fair outcomes, benefiting the entire organization. When businesses prioritize psychological safety, they are creating an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender.
Psychological Safety at Home
Psychological safety is not only for work. There is a place for it at home, too. As parents, partners, and community members, we can create safe places for our family, friends and neighbors to share their thoughts and opinions, even if we disagree. Here are a few reasons to bring psychological safety into all aspects of our lives.
Builds Stronger Relationships
Our relationships at home are our foundation. Psychological safety helps build strong and healthy relationships. When women feel safe to express their emotions, share their thoughts, and communicate openly with their partners or family members, it fosters trust and intimacy. This supportive environment is crucial for resolving conflicts that may come up at home.
Psychological safety is not only for work. There is a place for it at home, too. As parents, partners, and community members, we can create safe places for our family, friends and neighbors to share their thoughts and opinions, even if we disagree. Here are a few reasons to bring psychological safety into all aspects of our lives.
Builds Stronger Relationships
Our relationships at home are our foundation. Psychological safety helps build strong and healthy relationships. When women feel safe to express their emotions, share their thoughts, and communicate openly with their partners or family members, it fosters trust and intimacy. This supportive environment is crucial for resolving conflicts that may come up at home.
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"A home environment that promotes psychological safety significantly contributes to mental health. Women often bear the load of emotional labor at home, managing their own feelings and those of family members, too. When they feel safe and supported, it reduces the mental load and prevents tension at home and at work." ~ J.C. |
Supports Mental Health
A home environment that promotes psychological safety significantly contributes to mental health. Women often bear the load of emotional labor at home, managing their own feelings and those of family members, too. When they feel safe and supported, it reduces the mental load and prevents tension at home and at work. This is particularly important for professional women who need strong support systems to manage the pressures of their lives.
Empowers Children and Future Generations
For anyone who influences children in any way, creating a psychologically safe home environment sets a powerful example. Children learn by observing elders. When they see their guardians expressing themselves without criticism, it teaches them the importance of mutual respect and open communication. This helps raise emotionally intelligent and confident individuals who value psychological safety in their future relationships and workplaces.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Psychological Safety
Professional women have the unique opportunity to lead by example at work and at home. By prioritizing psychological safety, they can inspire those around them to do the same. Demonstrating empathy, actively listening, and being open in all interactions sets a standard that others will hopefully follow. This ripple effect, spreading the importance of psychological safety across both professional and personal spheres teaches grace, compassion, and acceptance when we need it the most.
Women must set boundaries and practice self-care to maintain psychological safety. This means recognizing the importance of taking time for oneself. Hobbies, exercise, or simply unwinding are all forms of self-care. By setting clear boundaries between work and home life, women can ensure they are fully present in each moment, reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
Building a network of supportive relationships should be a goal for us all. We should seek out mentors, colleagues and friends who understand and respect their need for a safe and supportive environment. Joining professional organizations or networking groups can provide additional support and shared experiences, reinforcing the importance of psychological safety.
The Impact on Relationships
Psychological safety can have major impacts on all relationships.
In the workplace, psychological safety leads to stronger professional relationships, which can open doors to new opportunities and career advancement. Women who feel safe are more likely to support their peers, share their knowledge, and collaborate. This creates a positive and productive work environment where everyone has higher job satisfaction.
At home, psychological safety strengthens personal bonds with partners, children, and neighbors. Open and honest communication encourages mutual respect and understanding, reducing the likelihood of secrets and lies in the home. This can mean a more harmonious home life, where relationships can flourish.
Psychological safety is a cornerstone for success and well-being in both the workplace and at home. We all want this safe environment, but we must help foster and nurture it because it can disappear quickly if we violate trust, even once. Embracing psychological safety is not just beneficial, it is essential for empowering women to be our best in all aspects of our lives.
Professional women have the unique opportunity to lead by example at work and at home. By prioritizing psychological safety, they can inspire those around them to do the same. Demonstrating empathy, actively listening, and being open in all interactions sets a standard that others will hopefully follow. This ripple effect, spreading the importance of psychological safety across both professional and personal spheres teaches grace, compassion, and acceptance when we need it the most.
Women must set boundaries and practice self-care to maintain psychological safety. This means recognizing the importance of taking time for oneself. Hobbies, exercise, or simply unwinding are all forms of self-care. By setting clear boundaries between work and home life, women can ensure they are fully present in each moment, reducing stress and enhancing well-being.
Building a network of supportive relationships should be a goal for us all. We should seek out mentors, colleagues and friends who understand and respect their need for a safe and supportive environment. Joining professional organizations or networking groups can provide additional support and shared experiences, reinforcing the importance of psychological safety.
The Impact on Relationships
Psychological safety can have major impacts on all relationships.
In the workplace, psychological safety leads to stronger professional relationships, which can open doors to new opportunities and career advancement. Women who feel safe are more likely to support their peers, share their knowledge, and collaborate. This creates a positive and productive work environment where everyone has higher job satisfaction.
At home, psychological safety strengthens personal bonds with partners, children, and neighbors. Open and honest communication encourages mutual respect and understanding, reducing the likelihood of secrets and lies in the home. This can mean a more harmonious home life, where relationships can flourish.
Psychological safety is a cornerstone for success and well-being in both the workplace and at home. We all want this safe environment, but we must help foster and nurture it because it can disappear quickly if we violate trust, even once. Embracing psychological safety is not just beneficial, it is essential for empowering women to be our best in all aspects of our lives.
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Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius is a change management and leadership development consultant. She brings years of expertise to help businesses adapt and thrive, while also shaping future leaders as an adjunct professor in higher education. With a doctorate in strategic leadership, her insights are grounded in both academia and real-world experience. She is a contributor for Sanctuary in the areas of business leadership, career development and finance.
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