In a world filled with chaos and uncertainties, the adage “keep calm and carry on” has become more than just a catchy slogan. It’s a mantra for maintaining composure in the face of adversity. However, have you ever considered that this simple phrase holds a deeper meaning, especially in the context of psychological safety? In this blog post, we will explore the profound connection between staying calm and ensuring psychological safety, offering insights and examples that shed new light on this age-old wisdom.
1. The Power of Calmness:
At the core of creating a safe and supportive environment, whether in personal or professional settings, lies the ability to stay calm. It’s the first step toward building trust, fostering open communication, and nurturing psychological safety.
- Staying Calm Personally: When you remain composed, even in challenging situations, you set an example for those around you. Your calm demeanor can be contagious, reassuring others that they are in a safe space. Example: Imagine you’re leading a high-stress project meeting, and tensions are running high. By staying calm and collected, you model emotional resilience for your team, encouraging them to express their concerns without fear of judgment.
- Helping Others Stay Calm: As a facilitator and trainer, you have the unique opportunity to guide others in maintaining their composure. This is especially important when addressing sensitive topics or during conflict resolution. Example: During a diversity and inclusion training session, a participant becomes emotional while discussing their experiences with discrimination. Your ability to stay calm and empathetic allows the individual to feel supported, fostering an atmosphere of psychological safety and acceptance for everyone.
- Techniques: To support with staying calm, you can employ various techniques such as stopping and pausing to collect your thoughts, grounding yourself in the present moment to stay focused, practicing mindful breathing for relaxation, and consciously choosing a positive and curious mindset to manage stress effectively.
2. Psychological Safety:
Psychological safety is the belief that one can express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of negative consequences. It’s the foundation for effective communication, innovation, and collaboration within teams and organizations.
- The Role of Calmness in Psychological Safety: Staying calm is the linchpin of psychological safety. When individuals feel that those around them are composed and nonjudgmental, they are more likely to share their authentic thoughts and feelings. Example: In a workplace where leaders react explosively to mistakes, employees may hesitate to report errors. Conversely, in a calm and supportive environment, employees are more likely to admit their mistakes, leading to a culture of continuous improvement.
3. “Keep Calm and Carry On” Revisited:
The famous “keep calm and carry on” posters, originally designed during World War II, take on new significance when viewed through the lens of psychological safety. They remind us that maintaining our composure is not just about personal resilience; it’s about creating an atmosphere where others can thrive.
- Application in Training and Facilitation: As an experienced facilitator and trainer, you can incorporate this insight into your sessions. Encourage participants to embrace the idea that staying calm is not just an individual trait but a collective responsibility. Example: In a conflict resolution workshop, discuss the importance of staying calm and composed when addressing conflicts within teams. Use the poster as a visual reminder of this principle.
The first step toward ensuring safety, both psychological and emotional, is the ability to stay calm. It’s a simple yet profound concept that can transform the way we interact with others, both personally and professionally. You have the power to cultivate this environment of calmness and psychological safety, fostering growth, innovation, and resilience within your teams. So, remember, when in doubt, “keep calm and carry on” – not just for yourself, but for the well-being of those around you.
