Ever wondered why some teams seem to effortlessly hit their targets, while others struggle? It’s not always just about talent or resources; there is a not so little thing called “psychological safety” that can impact team performance in a major way. From my interactions with clients in Nigeria, psychological safety is not a concept that seems to be commonly taken into account in aiming for better performing teams. That’s a pity, really, given how much of a difference it can make.
What is Psychological Safety?
Imagine a work environment where you can speak your mind without fear of judgement or retaliation. That’s psychological safety in a nutshell. It’s about feeling safe to take risks, ask questions, and share ideas. Of course, in many Nigerian workplaces, this still seems very alien. Hierarchical structures and cultural norms around age, authority and even influence can make it challenging for employees to be heard.
Building Trust and Loyalty
Trust is the foundation of any high-performing team. Psychological safety fosters an environment of trust where employees feel respected and valued. This can be a great way to increase loyalty and retention, as team members are more likely to stay with a company where they feel secure and supported.
Boosting Innovation and Creativity
In a workplace where employees feel psychologically safe, creativity flourishes. Team members aren’t afraid to propose bold ideas or challenge the status quo. This is particularly important in the fast-evolving business landscape in Nigeria today, where innovation can set a company apart. When everyone feels their voice matters, brilliant ideas emerge, and problem-solving becomes a collective effort.
Enhancing Team Collaboration
Have you ever been in a meeting where only a few people dominate the conversation? When I worked in Nigerian companies, that was usually the case more often than not. However, when a company deliberately builds psychological safety, it ensures everyone has a chance to contribute. This inclusiveness leads to better decision-making and a stronger sense of team cohesion. When team members know their input is valued, they are more engaged and motivated to work towards common goals.
Reducing Stress and Burnout
Living in Nigeria is no joke! Lagos stress alone is on another level, from traffic jams to fuel queues to bad roads. You now add workplace stress to it? Ahhh, It’s plenty! However, a psychologically safe environment can mitigate its impact. When employees are not worried about making mistakes or being unfairly criticised, their stress levels decrease. This not only improves individual well-being but also reduces burnout, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.
How Can Companies Foster Psychological Safety?
“Omode gbon, agba gbon, lafi da ile ife” is one of my favourite Yoruba sayings. It translates to “the wisdom of the young ones and the wisdom of the elders led to the establishment of Ile Ife”. Basically, this saying encourages both the old and young to contribute their wisdom. The only way the wisdom of the young could have contributed to establishing the great Ile Ife, is if their voice was heard.
Psychological safety in any team starts with open communication. Encourage feedback, actively listen to concerns, and create a culture where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities rather than failures. It’s also key for leaders to model vulnerability and show that it’s okay to be human. Prioritising psychological safety can help more companies in Nigeria unlock the full potential of their teams.
Get your people out of the “us versus them” mode, and see innovation, collaboration and success grow.