In this expert session, Emotional Intelligence and Diversity & Inclusivity specialist Elaine Broe leads an interactive lecture on trust and psychological safety in the workplace. Elaine begins by emphasizing the significance of emotional intelligence, particularly when working with diverse teams, and introduces the importance of self-awareness and managing emotions effectively to build trust.
Elaine then delves into trust dysfunctions and the need for vulnerability and open communication to create a psychologically safe environment that encourages conflict resolution and commitment. She highlights the significance of psychological safety in diversity & inclusion efforts, and how subtle behaviors can impact it. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own skills and areas of improvement in building trust with diverse teams throughout the session.
Elaine discusses various aspects of psychological safety, including its importance in creating a successful team or organization and the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety. She encourages active listening, acknowledging feelings, and creating an environment where individuals feel heard and valued. Elaine also emphasizes being aware of unconscious biases that can influence interactions with others and advocates for slowing down, asking questions, and recognizing individual contributions.
Throughout the session, Elaine uses the Mentimeter app for interactive activities and polls to engage participants in discussions on preferred leadership styles and building trust. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, building trust, and understanding team dynamics as essential elements of effective leadership.
Elaine also discusses receiving feedback and the challenges that come with it, especially during a 360-degree assessment or when it's the first time receiving such feedback. She models the behaviors expected for building trust effectively, emphasizing reliability, openness, and acceptance. Elaine uses personal stories to illustrate the importance of vulnerability and sharing intentions, thoughts, and feelings with others, which can lead to stronger relationships and improved communication.
Elaine emphasizes the importance of ongoing effort and conversation to maintain trust and reiterates her availability for any questions or concerns. She encourages participants to ask questions, model desired behaviors, and accept that mistakes will occur as part of the trust-building process. Trust is essential in various aspects of life, including personal relationships and work environments.
