ops 201 reading 15 - ElodieReb/reading-notes GitHub Wiki

Reading Notes for Class 15, Self-Paced Ops 201

Objective

The contents of today's reading are relevant to what we are studying in class as we are about to enter project week, and it's important for us to recognize the value in making sure everyone's voice is heard, and further, that all individuals in the group feel valued to ensure the team's success.

Reading Comprehension

Title = What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team

1. What are three key factors that contribute to psychologically safe teams? (1) Knowing that you are free to share thoughts/ideas/fears without repercussion, (2) Empowering team members to talk about what is messy or sad, and to have those hard conversations with colleagues who are stirring the pot, (3) Knowing that you are heard and that your opinion is valued.

2. Evaluate, with details, a previous professional setting (or team) you were in with regard to psychological safety. At the company I used to consult for, I noticed that I always left our team meetings feeling more energized and productive than when I entered them. This was in large part thanks to my manager that created a healthy culture/environment where everyone felt safe, and further, empowered to share their ideas with the group. This is a firsthand example of the power of fostering psychological safety in teams in terms of the impact it can have on team, as well as individual, productivity.

3. What impact do teams that operate with a high degree of psychological safety have on their company and the team members? See above.

Things I'd like to know more about

• I feel like the example about that one manager sharing personal, intimate details with his team really helped to foster psychological safety within the group he was leading. I wonder if any more research has gone to looking into this method of building a successful team environment.