It’s more important than ever to create a culture of psychological safety at work.

But what, exactly, does that look like in practice? What can we do as leaders to cultivate a space where team members feel comfortable speaking freely?

Brett Townsend is a thought leader in the realm of consumer insights and serves on the Board of Directors for the Insights Association.

He's led high-performing teams and developed scores of new products for some of the best-known brands in the world, including Pepsi, Lay's, Jack Daniel’s and Dickies.

On this episode of Workplace Forward, Brett joins me to discuss the benefit of getting to know your team as people and describes what he does to create a culture of psychological safety in the workplace.

Brett explains why it’s crucial to meet employees with empathy and develop an awareness of their mental health, leaning into the leadership qualities of flexibility and grace in times of crisis.

Listen in to understand why Brett is known as the anti-Michael Corleone of the workplace and learn how he leverages vulnerability, openness and gratitude to create a safe space for his team at work.

Themes explored in this week’s episode:

• The size and scope of the interdepartmental teams Brett has led over the years
• Why Brett is referred to as the anti-Michael Corleone of the workplace
• Brett’s personal leadership philosophy and the benefit of getting to know your team as people
• How Brett helps his team members get to know each other on a personal level
• Leaning into the leadership qualities of flexibility and grace in times of crisis
• Why it’s crucial to meet employees with empathy and develop an awareness of their mental and emotional health
• What Brett does to create a culture of psychological safety in the workplace
• Brett’s unique approach to one-on-ones and the 4-and-2 feedback model he uses with his team
• How a good boss expresses gratitude and plays to people’s strengths
• Brett’s advice to executives on seeking continued growth and development as leaders

Resources from this episode: 

• Read along with this Workplace Forward Podcast episode's text transcript
• Follow Brett on LinkedIn or Instagram
• Learn more about the Insights Association
• Explore Adam Grant’s work at https://adamgrant.net/
• Listen to my conversation with Justin Seamonds
• Discover the True Colors personality framework
• Read Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath

I would love to hear from you! Have an idea for a podcast or a question you want me to address? Interested in additional support, resources and workshops? Here are all the ways you can interact with me!

• Tweet me @TeganTrovato 

• Email [email protected] 

• Follow me on Facebook @BrightArrowCoaching 

• Follow me on Instagram @TeganTrovato 

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Tegan Trovato 

• Download free tools and sign up for my newsletter, coaching and workshops at  https://www.brightarrowcoaching.com/