Introductory Remarks

Effective and efficient technical team operation depends upon positive interactions among team members so that the diverse abilities and experiences represented can be used to advantage while ensuring the engagement and motivation of each member. Challenging problems and a clear understanding of each member’s role in the effort facilitate realization of these goals. However, maximizing individual contributions requires psychological safety within the team. Psychological safety refers to the feeling that any team member can challenge the status quo, question leadership directions, take risks, and offer novel ideas without derision or retribution. Studies have demonstrated that when psychological safety exists, team performance improves, employee satisfaction is enhanced, innovation and creativity increase, effective learning from mistakes occurs, and inclusivity is supported. Leaders set the tone and promote this culture through their actions, policies and character. This talk will describe what psychological safety is and is not, what leaders can do to ensure that this characteristic is pervasive within their team/organization, and why benefits result.