Following on from our recent posts about psychological safety, we have created a list of suggested reading to help you deepen your understanding of the subject. We have tried to offer a range of perspectives and you might not agree with everything, nor is this meant to be a comprehensive or exhaustive list, but simply an opportunity to engage with the topic from a few different angles.
Theoretically, summer is a time for reading lists, but just about everyone we know is as busy as ever, so these are just suggestions for you to dip into when and if you have the time. And if you’re really struggling, please do book our Bite-size Learning session on Time Management.
Happy reading!
- Joy, Inc.: How We Built a Workplace People Love by Richard Sheridan. Richard Sheridan shares his experience of creating a joyful and psychologically safe workplace at his software company, Menlo Innovations.
- The Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Cultures by Erin Meyer. Erin Meyer explores cultural differences in communication and collaboration, which can impact the establishment of psychological safety in diverse environments.
- Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders by L. David Marquet. David Marquet’s book about leadership and empowerment offers insights into creating a safe environment for innovation and decision-making.
- The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg. Charles Duhigg’s exploration of habits and behavioural patterns can be insightful for understanding how psychological safety contributes to healthy habits and productivity.
- The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson. Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety is highly influential in the field, and her book provides valuable insights for European readers.
- Alive at Work: The Neuroscience of Helping Your People Love What They Do by Daniel M. Cable. Daniel Cable explores the psychological factors that contribute to engagement, motivation, and ultimately, psychological safety in the workplace.
- The Cambridge Handbook of Workplace Training and Employee Development edited by Kenneth G. Brown. This handbook offers a collection of research and insights on workplace training and development, including fostering psychological safety.
- Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind by Geert Hofstede, Gert Jan Hofstede, and Michael Minkov. Geert Hofstede’s work on cultural dimensions provides a framework for understanding how cultural factors influence psychological safety and communication in various European contexts.
- The Happy Manifesto: Make Your Organization a Great Workplace by Henry Stewart. Henry Stewart’s book focuses on creating a positive and psychologically safe work environment that promotes happiness, well-being, and productivity.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler. This book offers practical advice on how to navigate difficult conversations and discussions while maintaining psychological safety and fostering understanding.
- The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection, and Courage (Audiobook) by Brené Brown. In this audiobook, Brené Brown delivers a series of talks on embracing vulnerability and fostering connections, which are essential components of psychological safety.
- Building the Bridge as You Walk on It: A Guide for Leading Change by Robert E. Quinn. Quinn’s book explores the concept of “deep change” and how leaders can create an environment where psychological safety is at the core of innovative and transformative efforts.
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