26/10/2022
Magic happens when diverse teams come together and share their uniqueness.
MIT researchers who studied team performance found that how the team works together matters more than who is on the team. Simply grouping smart people together doesn’t guarantee a smart team.
How do you foster these moments?
And do you create psychological safety to allow everyone a voice?
Here’s some great tips from Liz Fosslien 🌟
💬 Kick off with an equitable prompt. You can make the prompt fun ("What food is overrated?") or work-focused ("What was a win for you over the past week?"), but make room for each person to quickly respond. Research shows when people participate within the first few minutes of a meeting, they're more likely to chime in later on.
✌️ Break into duos. Some people, especially introverts, find it easier to share in a 1:1 setting. Give duos 5-10 minutes to discuss, and then have each group share out with the larger team.
💡 Acknowledge and appreciate unique perspectives. When someone takes a small risk, by sharing a novel point of view, asking a question, or pointing out a potential issue, make it a point to thank them for their important contribution.
What are your top tips for creating psychological safety?