The world of higher education can move at a fast pace and, let’s face it, that’s a little overwhelming at times. Leadership can often feel like a tightrope walk without a safety net. As women of color in higher education leadership positions, you may be walking uncharted territory, feeling the weight of responsibility without a clear roadmap. But fear not! In this mini-series, we will explore the transformative power of psychological safety. In this article, we’ll talk about embracing failure, the importance of being present and making time for your team, and provide practical tips to immediately apply to feel empowered as a leader. 

Understanding Psychological Safety

Psychological safety describes an environment where one can express oneself without fear of judgment or retribution. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a crucial element for a thriving workplace. Employees who feel psychologically safe at work report higher job satisfaction, and employers experience a higher retention rate. 

This is particularly relevant for women of color in higher education leadership positions, as it can foster an inclusive and supportive environment essential for efficient operation. For a deeper understanding, explore this blog post on 5 ways to create psychological safety. 

Embracing Failure

Where are my perfectionists? I know this will be scary for some of you, but hear me out. One of the most profound leadership lessons is learning to embrace failure. Own your mistakes.  Rather than seeing them as a setback, reframing them as learning experiences– stepping stones for growth and innovation – is critical for your success as a leader and as a team. 

Mistakes are bound to occur at some point in our career journey, but allowing yourself the grace and space to fail and learn from those failures will enable your team to do the same. This mentality sets the tone and creates a dynamic of innovative team members; it encourages them to push boundaries and think outside the box rather than stay in line and never contribute. 

Leading By Example & Being Present

Authenticity is the cornerstone of effective leadership. By embracing this vulnerability and leading by example, you build trust and foster meaningful connections with your team. 

Being a leader comes with many tasks and responsibilities; it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of trying to get everything done. True leadership requires presence– being fully engaged and available for your team, especially in moments of failure and success. Actively listening and fostering open communication will create an environment where everyone feels valued, and everyone’s voice is heard. 

Practical Tips For Creating Psychological Safety

Ready to put some of these principles into action? Here are some practical tips for nurturing psychological safety in the workplace. 

1. Check-In Regularly: Consistently schedule one-on-one meetings with your team members. Use this time to listen to their concerns, provide support, and offer guidance. These check-ins show that you value their input and allow you to address any issues before they escalate. 
2. Acknowledge Contributions: Regularly recognize and acknowledge the contributions of your team members. Whether a simple thank you during a team meeting or a more formal recognition program, showing appreciation for their efforts reinforces a sense of belonging and value. By highlighting their strengths and contributions, you create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated for their unique talents and perspectives. 
3. Celebrate Successes: We mentioned this earlier, but take the time to acknowledge and celebrate individual and team accomplishments. Whether it’s a major milestone, a personal achievement, or simply reaching a goal, recognizing and celebrating successes boosts morale and reinforces a positive work culture. 

Creating Psychological Safety

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. By embracing failure, being present for our teams, and leading authentically, we can lay the foundation where everyone can thrive.

As always, I’m here to support and empower you on this journey, whether it’s guidance, encouragement, or practical strategies for success. Together, we can unlock your full potential, helping you lead with purpose, inclusivity, and empathy. 

Join us for the next installment in this mini-series, where we will dive deeper into leading with authenticity, including modeling curiosity in your institution’s and team’s work. Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and create positive change for our institutions and communities.   

Stay inspired, stay empowered, and keep leading with heart.