Aaltogether

The surprising impact of psychological safety

Psychological safety fosters trust, and trust increases psychological safety. It lays the foundations for creativity and innovation, and enhances learning and efficiency, as well as the desire to learn and contribute to the community.

Background

Psychological safety refers to feelings of trust and belonging, and it enhances an individual’s opportunity to learn and contribute to the community. It manifests, among other things, as the ability and opportunity to express oneself without fear of negative consequences for oneself or one's situation.

Psychological safety has a positive impact on engagement and better learning practices. Large learning groups and remote work undermine psychological safety, while group work and discussions have proven to be practices that support psychological safety.  

Making mistakes can be uncomfortable: errors are often accompanied by feelings of shame. Showing vulnerability involves risks, but risks can be taken when the environment feels safe and there’s no need to fear consequences. 

Psychological safety creates the conditions for creativity and innovation, improves learning and efficiency, and plays a crucial role in creating a diverse, equal and inclusive community.

Instructions

  1. Read the article How does psychological safety creat the foundation for learning, innovation, and creativity?
  2. Watch l the short film All of Us - Inclusivity For Everyone and discuss it with a colleague.
  3. Learn more about the relationship between psychological safety and diversity on the Agreeing on the principles of inclusive and safe interaction page and the Aalto Safer Space cartoon, which you can also share with your team.
  4. Check out also the First Aid Kit, a support package for diverse teamwork.

How does psychological safety create the foundation for learning, innovation, and creativity?

The feeling of safety is an important part of current discourse on higher education.

Read the article! ⏰~5 min.
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Oasis of Radical Wellbeing
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