The Power of Psychological Safety: Creating a Stronger and More Inclusive Team Culture with a Psychological Safety Canvas

In any team, having a sense of psychological safety is crucial for members to feel comfortable and confident in expressing themselves and taking risks. The concept of psychological safety was first introduced by Amy Edmondson, a professor of leadership and management at Harvard Business School. It refers to the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.

To help create and maintain psychological safety within a team, the use of a psychological safety canvas can be helpful. The canvas can be a visual tool that helps the team to identify and discuss important aspects of psychological safety, including their shared values, behaviours, and expectations.

Here are some prompts for a psychological safety canvas:

Create a team motto

A team motto can serve as a reminder of the shared purpose and values of the team. It should be concise, memorable, and meaningful. For example, "We are stronger together" or "Diversity is our strength".

I feel safe when…

Each member of the team can share what makes them feel safe. It could be something as simple as having their opinions heard, or feeling supported in times of stress or uncertainty. This helps to create awareness of individual needs and preferences, which can foster a more empathetic and inclusive team culture.

We feel safe when…

The team can collectively discuss and agree on what actions and behaviours contribute to a safe environment. This could include active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and refraining from blame or criticism.

What are some behaviours we should avoid…

The team can also identify behaviours that undermine psychological safety, such as interrupting others, making assumptions, or engaging in personal attacks. By acknowledging and avoiding these behaviours, the team can maintain a positive and productive working environment.

How to deal with…

Finally, the team can discuss strategies for dealing with challenging situations, such as conflict or mistakes. This could include seeking input from all team members, acknowledging and addressing concerns, and focusing on solutions rather than blame.

At the end of the session, each team member can sign the canvas as a commitment to upholding the values and behaviours discussed. The canvas can be displayed in a visible location as a reminder of the team's shared commitment to psychological safety.

In conclusion, the psychological safety canvas can be a valuable tool for teams to establish and maintain a culture of trust and respect. By openly discussing individual needs and expectations, as well as collective values and behaviours, teams can work towards a more inclusive and effective working environment.