| | DECEMBER - 2022MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM9The key to unlocking the power of diverse perspectives is by fostering an environment of Psychological Safetywith ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes." In psychologically safe teams, people are just more immediate, real and authentic ­ and a lot more willing to bring ideas to the table because they know it won't be held against them. They feel safe and empowered to be themselves and bring divergent perspectives and ideas.There is a genuine belief that it is expected and valued to speak up with work relevant ideas, questions, concerns and even mistakes. It allows for empathy to be harnessed within teams - strengthening the cognitive connections between each other (also known as the neutral coupling effect). A key attribute for collaboration in teams.Dialling up Psychological Safety and an Environment Where Diverse Perspective are Valued Requires Intentionality And PurposeLeaders and people managers play a critical role as the stewards of the culture of their teams and organisations. It is within their gift to dial up psychological safety in their teams and create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. However, this requires intentionality and action. Here are some examples of how leaders can start to dial up these important attributes....1. Intentionally foster a team environment that replaces scepticism with intellectual curiosity, an open and learning mindset.2. Consider whether you may need to invite others to that creative or idea generation meeting to ensure you get a broader perspective.3. Periodically check in on your team to find out how safe they feel and what could enhance their feeling of safety. 4. Ask your team about the challenges they might be experiencing. How they may be being excluded. Whether team dynamics are holding them back or if it's the wider culture of the organisation. What barriers they may keep bumping into as a result of their backgrounds.5. Consider speaking last in meetings. Avoid the sometimes-unintentional effects of the mirroring effect, where team members consciously or subconsciously gravitate to the person of authority in the room. 6. Encourage dissenting perspectives. Surrounding yourself with people who are willing to disagree with you and challenge your perspectives and each other.7. "There is no correlation between being the best talker and the best ideas." (Susan Cain). Consider how you can create a way of working that allows all ideas and perspectives from everyone in the room to be heard. Strike the balance between brainstorming and write storming as a way of including diverse thinking styles.8. Encourage and include topics on diversity and inclusion as a regular standing agenda item within team meetings. When Diversity in teams and Psychological Safety come together in harmony - they become powerful unlocks for Innovation, Creativity and Performance in teams and organisations. Nelson Derry
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