The Importance of Psychological Safety in Faculty Communication

In the dynamic environment of educational institutions, the concept of psychological safety has emerged as a crucial element in fostering effective communication between administrators and staff. Psychological safety is a shared belief that a team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Said another way, psychological safety means feeling that you can disagree or share your thoughts without being negatively judged as a person, ridiculed or retaliated against. 

The term was popularized by Amy Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor and researcher. She’s written extensively on the topic in two of her books, the most recent of which is “The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth”. This concept, when integrated into school settings, can revolutionize how administrators and staff interact, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.

Let’s take a closer look at this concept and how supervisors can help create greater psychological safety for their team. 

Fear Undermines Our Ability to Collaborate

You’ve probably heard of ‘fight, flight or freeze’ as a shorthand description of our biological response to fear. While helpful when we were trying to escape sabertooth tigers, it can be quite frustrating when it shows up in a meeting amongst colleagues. 

As soon as a person’s fear kicks in, perhaps worrying that they’ve done something wrong, are being seen as incompetent or uninformed, they tend to experience the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ reflex, which means that the blood drains from their brains and into their heart, lungs, and extremities to prepare them for whatever comes next. The problem with this is that it diminishes their problem-solving skills, their creativity, and clarity of thought, which are vital for collaboration and productive communication.

Fear inhibits creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. 

When educators fear judgment or failure, they are less likely to take risks or propose innovative ideas, leading to a stagnant work environment. As a result, they are more likely to experience groupthink, where individuals prioritize consensus over creativity, ultimately hindering effective decision-making and problem-solving​ (Lumen Learning)​. 

Additionally, fear of failure can discourage teachers from engaging in creative risk-taking, which is essential for fostering innovation in teaching practices. The lack of psychological safety within teams can prevent members from feeling comfortable to voice their opinions, ask questions, or challenge existing norms, further impairing the team's ability to function cohesively and achieve its goals​ (SpringerLink)​. This fear-based dynamic can also lead to resistance to educational change, as faculty members may be apprehensive about adopting new methodologies or technologies, fearing they might not master them or that these changes might increase their workload​ (MDPI)​. Addressing these issues requires creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue, values diverse perspectives, and views failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback.

Understanding Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is about creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, asking questions, and admitting mistakes without fear of ridicule or retribution. In schools, this translates to a culture where teachers and staff members can openly communicate with administrators about their concerns, ideas, and feedback. This kind of environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

The Role of Psychological Safety in Schools

1. Enhancing Communication: Psychological safety plays a pivotal role in improving communication between administrators and staff. When teachers feel safe, they are more likely to share their genuine thoughts and ideas. This open communication is essential for addressing issues promptly, developing creative solutions, and fostering a sense of community and trust.

2. Encouraging Innovation: Schools that prioritize psychological safety are more likely to see innovative practices and solutions emerge. Teachers who feel safe to experiment and take risks are more likely to implement new teaching methods, technologies, and approaches that can enhance student learning experiences.

3. Promoting Professional Development: Psychological safety encourages staff to seek feedback and engage in professional development. When teachers feel secure in their roles, they are more likely to ask for help, seek out new learning opportunities, and share their own knowledge with colleagues. This continuous learning culture benefits the entire school community.

4. Improving Staff Retention: Schools with high levels of psychological safety tend to have lower staff turnover rates. Teachers and staff are more likely to remain in environments where they feel valued, respected, and heard. This stability is crucial for maintaining a consistent and effective learning environment for students.

Implementing Psychological Safety in Schools

1. Leadership Commitment: Administrators play a key role in fostering psychological safety. It starts with their commitment to creating a supportive and open culture. Leaders should model vulnerability by sharing their own mistakes, demonstrating situational humility and learning experiences. This sets the tone for the entire school community.

2. Open Communication Channels: Establishing formal and informal channels for communication is essential. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and anonymous suggestion boxes can provide staff with multiple avenues to voice their concerns and ideas. Ensuring that these channels are accessible and that feedback is acted upon is crucial for building trust.

3. Training and Development: Providing  training on effective communication, conflict resolution, and team collaboration can help build psychological safety. When staff members are equipped with the skills to navigate difficult conversations and work collaboratively, the overall school environment becomes more supportive.

4. Recognition and Support: Acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of staff members reinforces the value of psychological safety. Recognition can be formal, such as awards and commendations, or informal, such as verbal praise and thank-you notes. Additionally, providing support for staff well-being, including access to counseling services and stress management resources, shows that the school values their holistic health.

Challenges and Considerations

Implementing psychological safety in schools is not without its challenges. Resistance to change, existing hierarchical structures, and deeply ingrained cultural norms can impede progress. However, by consistently promoting and modeling psychological safety, school leaders can gradually shift the culture. It is also important to recognize that psychological safety is an ongoing process that requires continual attention and effort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, psychological safety is a fundamental aspect of effective communication between administrators and staff in schools. It fosters an environment where open dialogue, innovation, and professional growth can thrive. By committing to creating a culture of psychological safety, school leaders can ensure that their institutions are places where educators feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. This, in turn, creates a positive and nurturing environment for students, ultimately enhancing the overall educational experience.