Wednesday night’s British Chamber of Commerce Leadership Forum on Psychological Safety in the workplace opened with a sobering tone. His Majesty’s Ambassador, Fleur Thomas, shared her career journey that brought to life the real-world consequences of not looking after every aspect of people’s safety in the workplace. But the weight of the opening encounter quickly lifted as she shared her inspirational tale of escaping a toxic environment and finding support amongst the cabin crew of British Airways. From there her career to took off.

Ambassdor Thomas was then joined on stage by Organisational Psychologist and Executive Coach, Dorothea Brunner Gloor, and Julian Troian from ING. Compere Claudia Neumeister helped the panel guests share theory, insights and practical tips in how to identify if a workplace is psychologically safe, and what to do if it isn’t.

With Julian’s trust building exercises building psychological safety in the audience, it didn’t seem long until the discussion, then questions and answers were finished. Participants were left with a better understanding that a policy won’t ensure a positive culture, but a set of specific circumstances: Those who hold the power must utilise their influence on the organisation in a supportive way. The systems must include effective checks, balances and mechanisms to surface unsafe conditions.

Learning continued through networking drinks and nibbles. My mind had been constrained by the thoughts that returning to the office help create a safer environment. I had assumed face to face was the best way to build relationships through small talk and have difficult conversations.

I had not considered that Zoom has an additional benefit of avoiding the walk past colleagues desks to a break out room when visibly upset. Zoom also provides the opportunity to have a heart to heart with a colleague to resolve an issue, without suffering disparaging glances from co-workers who don’t know why you are spending so long in the kitchen talking in hushed tones. I have more clarity on psychological safety, but the benefits of return to the office got a little cloudier.

There was further learning on unrelated topics. Over drinks I learnt that the majority of members of this nominally British group aren’t British. The welcome I received from the Pole, Bulgarian, Brasilian, Greek, French and Canadian participants I mingled with went beyond use of my native language.

Finally, heading to the tram with a light buzz from the wine and conversation, I also learnt I am looking forward to the next BCC event.

Adam Petersen

RTL Today