• Agile & Scrum Basics

Appeal: please keep sticking your neck out!

Okay, let’s be honest: do you still dare to stick your neck out at work? Do you feel the space to ask that one uncomfortable but pressing question? Can your colleague without hesitation indicate that he/she doesn’t know something for a moment? Are your unsolicited opinions valued at all? It should all be so obvious, but unfortunately it is not. Therefore, in this article I discuss 4 reasons to keep speaking out. After reading those 4 reasons, you will immediately know a little more about Psychological Safety.

You’re a superhero. Okay, you’re right, that might be a little too bombastic. But sticking your neck out is kind of like showing a superpower. I see it as having the courage to ask questions, even if you think they’re “stupid. It’s sharing a fledgling idea, even if it’s not perfectly formed yet. And it’s the willingness to learn, even if that means making the occasional mistake. Psychological safety. It gives such a wonderful sense of confidence, appreciation and freedom. But why do we do it so little?

Ignorant, ignorant and intrusive

There is something that can stifle that wonderful feeling. A little voice. And we all know him. Right? That little voice that whispers, “Keep your mouth shut, or they’ll make fun of you or see you as ignorant, pushy and incompetent.” And to be fair, that little voice thus often prevents a lot of hassle. Not sticking your neck out is a very good strategy to avoid getting into trouble. But it also makes you a bit of a gray mouse.

Don’t become a gray mouse

Fine, you’ve avoided a lot of hassle and you slide through everything at work fairly smoothly. But to say you’re getting the most out of yourself (and the team), or to speak of any real highlights. Exactly. Therefore, I hope to convince you with the following 4 reasons to keep sticking your neck out.

• You increase your personal growth.
  In an environment where you express yourself, a dialogue is created where new ideas are exchanged. This also makes you smarter yourself. Perhaps the first time you speak out really loud (again) is a bit exciting. And maybe the second time too, but then it becomes more and more natural. Before you know it, you have become the example for others on the team.
  
• You address learning moments. And not just for yourself.
  Your vulnerability and asking questions are a very important aspect of learning and development. This accelerates a growth process. Of yourself and also of others. Imagine you are in a meeting and you have a question about a topic being discussed, but you keep quiet because you are afraid of coming across as stupid. What happens next? You are left in the dark, with no answer to your question. And what if you do ask that question? Maybe others turn out to have the same question, but didn’t dare to ask it. And so begins a valuable exchange of information that deepens understanding and strengthens cooperation.
  
• You increase team dynamics.
  By increasing openness, trust and respect in a team, you increase team dynamics. When team members are not reluctant to share ideas, give feedback or ask for help, you increase the likelihood that the team will perform better. You increase the likelihood that the team will turn opportunities into productive outcomes. And that, in turn, increases engagement and motivation. See a self-reinforcing effect emerge here. More appreciation, more connection and more ownership. Who wouldn’t want to work on a team like that?
  
• You are contributing to innovation.
  If you want to innovate, you will have to have the courage and ability to take a risk. That’s why you have to stick your neck out. Only because everyone in the team dares to speak out, multiple perspectives on ideas emerge. It also creates an openness to express new ideas broadly. In all facets: why, of course, your idea is brilliant or can be razed to the ground. Your input is regardless of the outcome. This is certainly exciting in the beginning, but it is a healthy basic attitude: regardless of the outcome, I will contribute my idea. Of course, I do this on the basis of constructive feedback. That’s also okay to be snappy, but cynicism contributes just a little less. So keep it on the ball and not on the person.

So come on!

Show that neck of yours! Because in a world of Psychological Safety, the only “mistake” you can make is not daring to try. Psychological Safety thrives on openness, curiosity and vulnerability. It is the key to vibrant team dynamics, boundless creativity and groundbreaking innovation. So ask that question, and share that idea. And don’t be afraid to be a little pushy when it comes to building the safe, inspiring environment in which everyone can thrive. You hold the power. Dare to stick your neck out!