Safety

What makes you feel safe in the work place?

Last blog, I wrote about what new leadership should do to build trust with staff. Meet staff where they are, build relationships, and effective/efficient communication. Is that all there is to building a safe environment for staff? What makes staff feel safe to speak up, be creative, and, most importantly, be themselves?

I’m posing these questions because I am a Type A personality and have been nothing but my authentic self. I was at an Orange County public health institution for six months and when I say, “it didn’t work out,” what I really am saying is, “I didn’t feel safe.” I couldn’t be my authentic self, I had no autonomy, and I had no avenues to express my concerns. I was stuck, hurt, and miserable - so I left.

In many roles I have had (current included), people are surprised by my openness and honesty. I have to say that this may be cultural difference rather than my youth (or ignorance?). My Guatemalan-ness makes me talkative and transparent (I got it from my mama). But what I learned about my current organization is that: the culture ain’t that bad.

If I don’t agree, I realize I need to a) understand the issue or ask questions to build that understanding, and b) have a recommendation. I can’t just be a naysayer for naysayer’s sake and I always practice active listening. If a decision is already made, I have to do my best to understand it and document any concerns along the way (data!). With this approach, I feel I have built my own environment of safety. I give and get respect/time/effort and know that I am not always (actually rarely) going to get my way.

Now I will not say my opinion/approach is universal. I know many who prefer to protect themselves and not share so openly (personally, their opinions, their questions, and/or their efforts). What I’m not sure of is if this approach is connected to work culture. Have they been burned so many times that they became guarded? Do they feel safe talking to staff and leadership? Are they happy if they are constantly guarded? I honestly don’t have any answers to this and am not saying there is anything wrong with this approach either. Everyone has a different experience.

Safety in the office place - tangible and intangible - is vital to a healthy workforce and these tough questions need to be asked.