Fostering Psychological Safety in Teams - Normalize Open Communication
The last three weeks, I wrote about what psychological safety is, the abbreviated version of how to attain it. Now I’m delving into each component of how. Last week was authentic leadership. This week is normalizing open communication. Again, these posts are by no means the totality of psychological safety. You’ll take what resonates and add your own values. If you’d like to discuss this further, schedule a time.
Normalizing open communication requires intentional leadership, structured dialogue, and a culture that values transparency. If as a leader, some of your focus is on culture development, interdepartmental efficiency, and emotional intelligence, here are some actionable strategies:
1. Model Open Communication
Share your thoughts, challenges, and decision-making processes openly.
Admit mistakes and encourage others to do the same.
Ask for feedback regularly and act on it.
2. Create Safe Spaces for Honest Dialogue
Implement regular check-ins where employees can express concerns without fear.
Use structured feedback formats like retrospectives, town halls, or anonymous surveys.
Encourage cross-departmental discussions to break silos.
3. Train Teams on Effective Communication
Teach active listening skills to ensure people feel heard.
Encourage clarity and directness while maintaining empathy.
Provide guidance on giving and receiving constructive feedback.
4. Recognize & Reinforce Open Communication
Publicly appreciate employees who share ideas, feedback, or concerns.
Celebrate moments when transparency leads to positive change.
Set an example by handling difficult conversations with grace.
5. Address Conflict Constructively
Establish norms for respectful disagreements.
Train managers to facilitate difficult conversations.
Shift from blame culture to a solution-focused mindset.
By making open communication a habit, teams will naturally become more collaborative and psychologically safe.
I know some of these ‘how to’ strategies may leave you scratching your head a bit. That’s ok. You’re not supposed to know it all. A strength is knowing when to seek out someone who can be a partner and, at times, a guide.
