When individuals come together to form teams, work groups, or organizations, the

When individuals come together to form teams, work groups, or organizations, they represent great potential. But effective teams and groups do not simply happen. They must be built. Many team development models provide guidance, but the actual work of teambuilding can be characterized by numerous challenges, many of which trace back to the dynamics of individuals struggling to adopt to groups.
These struggles can create individual duress and may be amplified by other internal or external stressors. It is therefore vital to effective teambuilding that care is taken to build a psychologically safe environment as part of building an effective team and organization.
For this Discussion, you will review research on the creation of psychological safety. You will also apply lessons from this research to your own organization.
To Prepare
Review this week’s learning resources, especially Anandan (2020) and Gilgun & Hirschey (2017). For the latter, be sure to review the four major areas of the psychologically safe environment.
Link to learning resources:
Anandan (2020)
https://solve.mit.edu/articles/psychological-safety-in-times-of-crisis
Gilgun & Hirschey (2017) (PDF attached below)
By Day 4
Post a brief description of a human services organization that works with children and families in which you currently work or would like to work, or one with which you are familiar. Assume that you are a leader in this organization during a large-scale crisis, such as a global pandemic or another type of crisis in which employees are likely experiencing higher levels of stress, as well as their own family stress. Explain what you would need, as a leader, to feel psychologically safe in the organization. Then, explain what steps you would take to create a psychologically safe environment for employees who report to you.
Be sure to consider the unique characteristics of the organization (e.g., its size, the type of work that is done in the organization, the range of employee roles and responsibilities, and the individuals and diversity in family needs) in your response. Also, be sure to address each of the following areas: monitor wellbeing frequently, multiply feedback channels, increase check-in frequency, and improve decision making transparency.