Psychological Safety (HBR Emotional Intelligence Series)
Multiple Contributors in collaboration with HBR Editors
Harvard Business Review Press (September 2024)
“It is difficult to free fools from the chains they cherish.” Voltaire
This is one of the volumes in the HBR Emotional Intelligence Series, offering cutting-edge insights about psychological safety. The ten classic articles were originally published in HBR and if all were purchased separately as reprints, the total cost would be at least $90.00. Amazon now sells a paperbound volume for only $15.99. That’s not a bargain. That’s a steal…and all ten articles and their introduction are also easily accessible and portable.
Here is some specific information about each of the articles.
o In an interview by Curt Nickisch, Amy Edmonsen explains how curiosity, humility, and acknowledged fallibility create psychological safety in the workplace.
o Mareb Gube and Debra Sabatini explain how leaders can enhance integrity, innovation, and inclusion.
o Laura Delizonna recommends six ways to build trust between and among members of a high-performance team.
o Alison Reynolds and David Lewis explain the two best processes for members of a problem-solving team.
o How do supportive leaders approach what can become a highly emotional conversation? Sarah Noll Wilson shares her thoughts.
o How to cultivate a more a much more empathetic culture? Diana O’Brien suggests five specific ways.
o Daisy Auger-Dominguez explains how to get over a fear of talking about diversity.
o What is the hidden power of workplace rituals? How specifically can they be beneficial? Erika Keswin shares her thoughts.
o Ron Carucci thinks some leaders really want people to speak up, others say they do but they really don’t. Why?
o Kelli Thompson urges leaders to create a “safe ” workplace culture within which people can stretch, struggle…and learn.
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I commend the authors and their HBR editors on their their brilliant, substantial contributions to thought leadership throughout the global marketplace and highly recommend this material to all C-level executives and those who aspire to become one as well as to those who are now preparing for a business career or have only recently embarked upon one.
Years ago in Future Shock (1970), Alvin Toffler made this prediction: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”
If you agree with Toffler, then each of the “Emotional Intelligence” anthologies (especially this one) is a must-read for you.
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Only you can apply the relevant knowledge and common-sense wisdom that are provided in this book. However, you will need help from associates and probably some luck such as “being in the right place at the right time.” You also need to know when an opportunity is “knocking on your door,” and be prepared to take full advantage of it. (Sometimes it whispers.) You can also benefit from having role models. There is a great deal of value to learn from their successes and, especially from their failures. However, to repeat, your success (however defined) ultimately depends on you.
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Here are two other suggestions while reading Psychological Safety: First, highlight key passages Also, perhaps in a lined notebook kept near-at- hand, record your comments, questions, action steps (preferably with deadlines), page references, and lessons you have learned as well as your responses to key points posed within the narrative. Also, record your responses to specific issues or questions addressed, especially at the conclusion of articles.
These two simple tactics — highlighting and documenting — will facilitate, indeed expedite frequent reviews of key material later.