HOW TO BUILD PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN DIVERSE WORK SPACES
In diverse teams, employees need high levels of psychological safety for managers to harness the power of diversity itself. Here are some ways you can build safety in diversity now 💡
- ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICIES
Be clear that you believe in and are committed to holding the zero-tolerance policies around equity, e.g., sexual harassment, racism, etc.
2. CULTURAL HUMILITY
Understand and practice ‘cultural humility.’ Read this. https://hogg.utexas.edu/3-things-to-know-cultural-humility
3. DEEP LISTENING & VALIDATION
Validating is not agreement. It is accepting a team member’s point of view as valuable. You have successfully validated only if the other party feels understood and valued for their experience and contribution to the work.
4. A POSITIVE CULTURE AROUND DIFFERENCES
Make differences become valuable opportunities for creativity and synergy. This is all about the team culture, meeting facilitation-skills, and conflict resiliency. Differences become an opportunity for a deeper connection.
5. CLEAR PROCESS AROUND DISPUTES
Have an openly articulated commitment to equitable practices. Know history, understand what your employees need to feel safe. Have a restorative justice system in place and a procedure around DEI related disputes. Your team needs to know you are up for advocating and working towards equitable outcomes.
For a deeper consult or questions: cheryl@leadingwithconsciousness.com
Visit me: www.leadingwithconsciousness.com
