Laura Proctor's activity
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Laura Proctor posted an update in the group Psychological Safety in Health and Social Care 4 months, 2 weeks ago
Hello all – what interests me about psychological safety is that its often considered at the frontline level, and less so at middle and more senior levels of staff. In measuring psychological safety at the clinical lead levels there are some mixed results but a trend that clinical leads don’t feel psychologically safe amongst their seniors.
So I’m interested in psychological safety because it is well defined and explained in terms of what it is, however how do you start to change it. There is very little guidance on this.
I can partly answer this, but would appreciate help from others… 1.) Leaders within a team can role model behaviors which encourage psychological safety.
2.) It is also down to every individual to consider what they contribute to psychological safety or may be that take away from it?
3.)Also what is the reference point which lays out the behaviors that enhance psychological safety? Lots to think about.
Hi Laura, I think that this is a really interesting observation. I explored some similar questions in my Elizabeth Garrett Anderson dissertation. My role is a managerial one within a commissioning support unit, and I found that most of the literature focused on frontline clinical teams. However, I believe that there are some transferrable approaches. In answer to your questions: 1. Yes leaders in teams can definitely role model behaviours, specifically humility, admitting mistakes, asking for input and active listening. Also being clear about why decisions have been taken where possible. 2. Yes it is also the responsibility of individuals to take account of their own behaviour, but there are mechanisms that can help people to engage in ways that will build psychological safety. In my team we think a lot about how meetings are facilitated to promote engagement from everyone. 3. I’m not quite sure what you mean by this question but would be happy to discuss more!
Hi Lucy, thanks so much for taking the time to look at my questions and for offering your thoughts also.
Yes Q.3 is a bit clunky on re-reading it! What am I asking!? haha
Is there an evidenced based authoritative model or framework that identifies/outlines the behaviours and values which enhance psychological safety? or is it down to people at every level to figure it out and behave in ways that promote it of their own choosing? We know it is needed to enhance safety, but how do you encourage/instill the behaviours that lead to it?
Hope that makes a bit more sense 🙂