What if we measured our success by how safe people felt around us?

Have you ever wondered what success really means? In our fast-paced, achievement-driven society, we often define success by things like wealth, status, and accomplishments. But let's flip the script. What if we started measuring our success by how safe people felt around us?

Think about it. What if success wasn't just about personal achievements, but about the impact we have on others? Instead of striving for individual achievement, we'd aim to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

In this blog post, we will dive into the concept of psychological safety, explore its profound impact at the individual and community level, and share some practical steps to make people feel safer. Let's start shifting our mindset and prioritize empathy, compassion, and inclusivity over individual achievements.

The Importance of Psychological Safety

Let's get one thing clear - safety isn't just about physical security. It also encompasses our emotional and psychological well-being. You've probably heard the term 'psychological safety' buzzing around, especially in workplace discussions. It's all about feeling free to express ourselves without fear of negative consequences like embarrassment, rejection, or punishment.

When people feel psychologically safe, they're more likely to take risks, share innovative ideas, and collaborate effectively. In our new vision of success, psychological safety plays a crucial role. It allows people to bring their authentic selves to the table and contribute fully.

Psychological safety is like the glue that binds trust and vulnerability. When people feel safe, they're more likely to trust others and be vulnerable in sharing their thoughts and emotions. This fosters deeper connections and a sense of belonging within a group or community.

But what happens if there's no psychological safety? It can be detrimental to people's well-being and hinder their ability to reach their full potential. When people fear judgment or ridicule, they may hold back their ideas, remain silent in discussions, or even disengage from the group altogether. This not only stifles individual growth but also limits the collective potential for innovation and success.

So, how can we cultivate psychological safety? Here are a few key practices:

1. Lead by example: Show your vulnerability, admit your mistakes, and encourage open dialogue. People will feel safer to do the same.
2. Active listening: Listen to others without judgment or interruption. Show genuine interest and validate their experiences.
3. Encourage diverse perspectives: Seek out diverse perspectives and experiences. Embrace different opinions and ideas, even if they challenge your own.
4. Provide constructive feedback: Deliver feedback in a supportive manner. Focus on specific actions or behaviors rather than making personal attacks. When individuals trust that feedback is given with their best interests in mind, they are more likely to be receptive and open to growth.
5. Celebrate mistakes and learning: Encourage a growth mindset by seeing mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement. When individuals feel safe to take risks and make mistakes without fear of harsh judgment, they are more likely to innovate and contribute to collective success.

By making psychological safety a priority, we're building a foundation for success based on trust, collaboration, and growth.

The Ripple Effect of Feeling Safe

Why should we measure success in this way? Because it has a positive ripple effect on individuals and communities. When we focus on making people feel safe, we start a chain reaction that extends far beyond our immediate interactions.

At the individual level, feeling safe is essential for personal growth, well-being, and self-actualization. When individuals feel safe, they are more likely to explore their passions, take risks, and pursue their goals with confidence. They are empowered to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.

Feeling safe also helps people to be vulnerable and authentic. They can share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fearing judgment or rejection. This leads to deeper connections, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging. Moreover, when individuals feel safe, they are more likely to thrive in various aspects of their lives. They experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and burnout, which positively impacts their mental and physical health. Feeling safe allows individuals to focus on personal and professional growth, leading to increased productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction.

In a safe environment, individuals are more likely to collaborate, share resources, and support one another. This leads to the formation of strong communities and networks that can tackle challenges collectively and create positive change. So the ripple effect of feeling safe extends beyond individuals to communities and society as a whole. It fosters inclusivity and diversity, leading to a richer and more vibrant society. People from all walks of life feel welcome and accepted, regardless of their background or identity. The impact of feeling safe extends to educational institutions, workplaces, neighborhoods, and even online spaces.

By measuring our success by how safe people feel around us, we're contributing to a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Deepening Your Action: More on How to Measure Success by Safety

This mindset shift requires intentional action and an ongoing commitment. Here are some further practical steps you can take:

1. Self-reflection: Start by examining your own behavior, biases, and attitudes. Consider how your actions and words may impact the safety and well-being of others. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes to create a safer environment.
2. Practice empathy and active listening: Show empathy and listen to others without judgment or interruption. Validate their experiences and emotions. Create a space where people feel heard, respected, and valued.
3. Offer support: Be there for others when they're going through difficult times. Your actions can make a significant difference.
4. Challenge biases and prejudices: Educate yourself about different perspectives and experiences. Seek out diverse voices and learn from them.
5. Use your influence: If you have a platform or privilege, use it to amplify marginalized voices, speak up against injustice, and advocate for systemic changes.

Adopting a paradigm where we measure our success by the level of safety and comfort people experience when they are around us necessitates a considerable shift in our existing priorities and values. This new approach puts a premium on emotional intelligence, specifically, valuing empathy, compassion, and inclusivity. It means that we are prioritizing the welfare of others and the quality of our relationships over personal gain or individual achievements. This perspective encourages us to consider our impact on others and the world around us, fostering a more engaged, understanding, and inclusive society.

So, how can you start measuring your success by how safe people feel around you? What steps can you take today to foster psychological safety in your interactions and environments? For more on creating safe environments through prioritizing care in the workplace, we encourage you to check out one of our recent blogs on the topic! Even more, you can download our Care Inventory Checklist and start to implement these practices with your team.