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I have been in countless rooms over the last few years where the person leading designates the space a \u201csafe space\u201d.\xa0This designation is usually given right before an invitation for people to share something that may require some level of vulnerability.\nWhile I think the intentions of the folks saying this are good, I think there is actually more potential for harm than good when we deem a space a \u201csafe space\u201d without very seriously considering what creates actual safety for people and how tremendously one person\u2019s needs for safety can vary from the next.\xa0We also need to recognize that anyone\u2019s needs around safety can change on a day-to-day basis.\xa0So, it is not on a leader to claim a space as \u201csafe\u201d because there is no way a leader can guarantee actual safety.\xa0\xa0\nI always say that a space is only as safe as the person who feels the least amount of safety deems it to be.\xa0\xa0\nWhile we cannot guarantee safety, there are definitely steps we can take to build a culture of trust and psychological safety that can go a long way.\xa0If you\u2019re looking to build a culture of safety there are a handful of things to consider.\xa0\xa0\n\nIf I were to come into your organization and do a psychological safety audit of sorts, here are some things I would examine:\n\nHow do people talk to each other\n\nHow do people talk about each other\n\nHow are mistakes handled\n\nHow do leaders apologize and take ownership of their mistakes\n\nHow is support demonstrated in good times and bad\n\nHow are people given the opportunity to get to know one another as humans - not just coworkers with specific skill sets\n\nWhat routines and rituals are in place that build trust over time\n\nHow transparent are leaders\n\nHow accessible are leaders to all levels of team members\n\nWhat is the reputation of the HR department\n\nDoes HR make it clear what reportable offenses are and how to report them\n\n\nIn this episode, I talk about steps you can take to build a foundation of trust and psychological safety so that when you are on the brink of asking people to share ideas or be vulnerable you don\u2019t need to make a \u201csafe space\u201d announcement because safety is implied, felt, and held automatically.\xa0\xa0\nWe love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://shamelessmom.com/sponsor\nInterested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at sales@adalystmedia.com.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices