How Leadership Training for Managers Promote Psychological Safety and Well-Being at Work

A common challenge I have noticed in organizations is how poorly prepared managers and supervisors are to lead their teams.

Leadership training is important. Managers play a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture and ensuring the psychological safety and well-being of their teams. As the generation of baby boomers leave the workplace with decades of people management skills, it is now more important to ensure managers have the right leadership training to reduce unnecessary hardships for employees and foster thriving, productive workplace.

Psychological Safety and Well-Being Matters

Psychological safety is has become a crucial element for innovation, collaboration, and overall job satisfaction. When employees feel free speak up, ask questions without feeling stupid, are not anxious about making learning mistakes, and feel able to take innovative risks without fear of retribution or ridicule, they thrive and their organization excel. They feel happy, fulfilled, thus improving their well-being. They are also more likely to experience physical, mental, and emotional health.

When employees feel safe and valued, they’re more likely to engage fully, be creative, and remain loyal to the company. Conversely, a lack of psychological safety can lead to stress, burnout, and high turnover rates. Therefore, investing in leadership training for managers that will enhance aspect of work is a business strategy.

So, what leadership training should managers and supervisors receive? I have made a list of some of the most common conflict issues I have reviewed over the past twenty-seven years as a Conflict Analyst to share with you.

Leading adults is not for the faint of heart. Some people come to it  naturally, but many struggle. The most important skills they need are people skills. Here at Interpersonal Wellness Services Inc.,we recommend comprehensive training that covers various aspects that contribute to psychological safety and well-being. Here are some key elements:

Key Leadership Training Components for Managers

1. Communication Skills

Active Listening: Encouraging managers to listen attentively and validate employees’ concerns.

Effective Feedback: Managers should learn how to provide constructive feedback that fosters growth rather than fear.

Transparency: They should promote open and honest communication to build trust.

2. Emotional Intelligence

• Self-Awareness: Helping managers understand their own emotions and how they affect their behavior.
• Empathy: Training managers to recognize and respond to employees' emotional needs.
• Conflict Resolution: Equipping managers with skills to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.

3. Inclusive Leadership

• Diversity and Inclusion Training: Ensuring managers understand the value of diverse perspectives and create an inclusive environment.
• Bias Awareness: Teaching managers to recognize and mitigate unconscious biases.
• Allyship: Teach managers how to encourage allyship to help foster equity at work.

4. Supportive Leadership Practices

• Mentorship: Encouraging managers to mentor and support their team members’ development.
• Coaching: Provide managers with practical coaching skills to relate better with their employees and foster leadership skills in their team
• Work-Life Balance: Encourage managers to promote policies and practices that support employees' work-life balance.
• Well-being Programs: Train leaders to integrating mental health resources and wellness programs into the workplace.

Coaching Support for Managers

Provide managers with the coaching support to apply the key elements of training into actionable steps.

Coaching Conversation Sessions

• Coaching will allow regular check-ins and open-door policies which can help employees feel more comfortable voicing their concerns.
• Acknowledging employees’ hard work and contributions can boost morale and motivation.
• Simple gestures of appreciation can go a long way in making employees feel valued.

Model Desired Behaviours

• Managers should lead by example, demonstrating the behaviours they wish to see in their team.
• This includes showing vulnerability, admitting mistakes, and being open to feedback.

Provide Support and Resources

• Ensure employees have access to mental health resources and encourage their use.
• Offer training on stress management and resilience-building techniques.
• Benefits of Promoting Psychological Safety and Well-Being
• Investing in leadership training to promote psychological safety and well-being offers numerous benefits:

These may appear to take a lot of time, but they will eventually pay off in time saved from needless conflicts, squabbles, and more collaboration. Here are some additional benefits to ensuring managers have the tools they need to lead people at work.

Benefits of Manager Leadership Training

• Increased Productivity: Employees are more focused and efficient when they feel safe and supported.
• Higher Engagement: A positive work environment fosters greater employee engagement and enthusiasm.
• Enhanced Innovation: Safe spaces encourage creative thinking and risk-taking, leading to innovative solutions.
• Reduced Turnover: Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel valued and cared for.
• Better Health: Promoting well-being reduces stress and burnout, leading to fewer health-related absences.

Leadership training is essential for managers to promote psychological safety and well-being at work. By equipping managers with the skills and knowledge to create supportive, inclusive, and healthy environments, organizations can reap the benefits of a happier, more productive workforce.
 
Remember, the foundation of a thriving company lies in the well-being of its people. Invest in leadership training today, and watch your workplace transform for the better.

Something to Ponder

• Have you been managed by someone who lacked the leadership skills for the team success?

To Your Wellness,
Joyce