Why this practice?
Conflict or missteps can rupture safety. Repairing restores trust (Relational Repair Theory).
What is it?
Owning your impact and mending the connection.
How to use it
Say: “I realise that came off harsh, I’m sorry. Can we reset?”
Closing thought
What breaks can mend, if we choose to repair.
Why this practice?
Safety looks different for everyone. Asking uncovers individual needs (Trauma-informed practices).
What is it?
Inviting someone to share what helps them feel safe.
How to use it
Ask privately or in team settings. Listen without fixing.
Closing thought
Real inclusion begins with asking, not assuming.
Why this practice?
Normalising respectful debate signals that safety includes dissent (Harvard Business Review).
What is it?
Appreciating when people disagree thoughtfully.
How to use it
Say: “I really value that you see it differently , let’s unpack both views.”
Closing thought
Disagreement is not disloyalty, it’s engagement.
Why this practice?
Reacting with curiosity instead of blame reduces defensiveness and supports learning (Psychological Safety, Amy Edmondson).
What is it?
Asking questions instead of jumping to conclusions when things go wrong.
How to use it
Say: “I wonder what got in the way?” Or: “Can you walk me through what happened?”
Closing thought
Growth begins where judgment ends.
Why this practice?
When curiosity is honoured, innovation and safety increase (Harvard Business School).
What is it?
Praising inquiry regardless of the answer.
How to use it
Say: “That’s a great question, thank you for asking.” Encourage more.
Closing thought
Questions grow in the soil of respect.
Why this practice?
Unsolicited advice can feel invalidating. Consent builds trust (Nonviolent Communication, Marshall Rosenberg).
What is it?
Checking if someone wants input.
How to use it
Say: “Would it help if I shared a thought?” Respect the answer.
Closing thought
Support isn’t what we give, it’s what someone feels safe to receive.
Why this practice?
Autonomy supports engagement and psychological safety (Self-Determination Theory).
What is it?
Letting people choose how to contribute.
How to use it
Say: “You can respond verbally or in the chat.” Or: “Email me if you prefer to think about it first.”
Closing thought
Safety isn’t about forcing voice, it’s about inviting it.
Why this practice?
Speaking order shapes perceived safety. Rotation helps equity (IDEO design research).
What is it?
Varying who opens discussions.
How to use it
Rotate by alphabetical order or randomly. Say: “Let’s hear from someone new first.”
Closing thought
Safety grows when every voice is valued.
Why this practice?
Clarity fosters psychological safety by reducing ambiguity (Harvard Business Review).
What is it?
A short opening that explains the goal and tone of the meeting.
How to use it
Say: “This meeting’s goal is to explore ideas, there are no wrong answers.” Set emotional tone upfront.
Closing thought
Safety starts when people know what to expect.
Why this practice?
Speaking up takes courage. Celebrating it strengthens norms (Amy Edmondson).
What is it?
Affirming someone for voicing a tough truth or question.
How to use it
Say: “Thank you for raising that — it took guts.” Signal appreciation with your tone and body language.
Closing thought
Every voice lifted is a step toward safety.
