Fostering Psychological Safety and Managing Conflict Within Teams

It is no exaggeration to say that we have been working in teams throughout the history of humankind. But it is important that we not equate experience with expertise. While over 90% of individuals in the workforce believe teamwork is critical to their organization’s success, fewer than 20% of individuals feel that their own teams are effective. One reason for this gap is that individuals rarely receive formal training on their teamwork. Critical teamwork skills like fostering psychological safety, giving and receiving feedback, and engaging in productive conflict management are rarely taught and practiced. Based on the science of teamwork and Gestalt theory, in this two-day workshop you will begin to learn, experience and practice the mindset, knowledge, capabilities, and attitudes that are essential to demonstrate skill in building team psychological safety, providing and accepting feedback, and managing conflict. 

During the workshop, we will explore individual- and team-level attributes that are important for high-impact teamwork, including self-awareness, embodiment, curiosity, vulnerability, and authentic listening. We will use a variety of experiential educational formats, including self-reflection and journaling and individual and small group exercises.

Learning Objectives:
Day 1 Morning
Describe how the Gestalt principles of figure/ground and field and the brain’s construction of perception can lead to different viewpoints, differences of opinions and disagreements with teams;
Demonstrate the skill of embodiment;
Describe the Paradoxical Theory of Change and the importance of identifying “what is” in individuals and teams;
Differentiate between data and interpretation when using the skills of attending.

Day 1 Afternoon
Explain the role that psychological safety plays in successful teamwork;
Describe how embodiment and increased awareness can facilitate psychological safety in teams;
Discuss how the cycle of experience can support assessment of team function.

Day 2 Morning
Describe the characteristics of effective feedback among peers;
Compare and contrast destructive, constructive and deconstructive feedback;
Practice making data-based observations instead of interpretations when giving feedback.

Day 2 Afternoon
Describe how Gestalt principles support managing conflict in teams;
Engage in constellation exercises to increase awareness of workplace issues.