5 time per second, at an unconscious level, your brain is scanning the environment around you and asking itself, “Is it safe here? Or, is it dangerous.”
For optimal function and good working relationships, our brain wants safe environments. Humans are predisposed to see danger everywhere – a survival skill developed over millions of years of evolution – which puts us into flight or fight mode. When we are in that mode, we are not the best at creative/strategic thinking or exploring issues that require vulnerability. We are not in a calm state of mind.
When having meetings – working sessions, coaching sessions, briefings, etc. – setting up the environment for safety can improve the outcomes you are looking for.
There are four categories our brain is looking for to figure out if things are safe or not. Use these to dial in the safety factor of your next interaction:
Tribe – Are you with me or against me?
Expectation – Is what’s going to happen next clear or not? Or, an I facing an unknown.
Rank – Do I perceive you to be of more, less, or of similar importance than I am?
Autonomy – Do I get a say or don’t I?
“Psychological safety is a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.” - Amy Edmondson
“Safety doesn’t happen by accident.” - Anon
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