Thinking Differently – Fostering Psychological Safety in the Workplace

We began June on a high note with another remarkable Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in-person event. Our goal was to bring together passionate individuals dedicated to driving positive change within the greater Chattanooga community. The event was a vibrant gathering filled with engaging conversations, valuable insights, and thought-provoking discussions designed to challenge attendees' perspectives. The underlying theme centered around the concept of psychological safety.

One of our esteemed panelists, Shelly Prevost, co-founder of the Big Self School, eloquently compared the responsibility for creating safe spaces to a bouncing ball that keeps moving until someone takes hold of it. By openly sharing our personal stories, embracing vulnerability, and fostering trust in others to listen and share, we can cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels secure and supported.

Here are the key takeaways that emerged from the event:

1. Personal Accountability. During our discussions, we emphasized the importance of personal accountability in not only creating safe work environments but also nurturing psychologically safe spaces. Managers play a crucial role in taking responsibility for the well-being and safety of their teams.

2. The Power of Trust. Trust thrives at the intersection of vulnerability, reliability, and credibility. It emerged as a fundamental element for effective communication and collaboration. By sharing our experiences, challenges, and successes, we not only foster trust within our teams but also create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. Trust becomes the cornerstone of a culture of inclusion and belonging.

3. Shifting from Safe to Brave. One of the most powerful concepts discussed was the transition from a safe environment to a brave one. This transformation requires bravery from every individual involved. It entails stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging the status quo, and creating an environment where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated. Embracing this shift unlocks innovation, fosters growth, and enables everyone to thrive.

Thank you to all the attendees, volunteers, and participants, who continue to keep these conversations alive. At Hinton & Company, we firmly believe that embracing DEIB is an ongoing journey rather than a mere aspiration. Together, we can make a positive impact, ignite meaningful change, and create a brighter future where everyone feels valued and respected.

Stay tuned this summer as we dive deeper into the pillars of psychological safety and provide practical ways to incorporate this vital attribute into your leadership and management toolbox.

We're grateful for your ongoing support and commitment to DEIB initiatives. These events allow us to share our experiences and collaborate with others to drive meaningful change across industries and communities.

If you're interested in launching a DEIB event in your community, please inquire about DEIB events here!

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