Is Your Organizational Culture Psychologically Safe Enough to be Curious?
Director, Program Development
Box of Crayons
I remember thinking, “I know something that she doesn’t know. I want to ask a question to make sure we aren’t about to make a costly mistake.” But I didn’t. I could have shared important data, but I didn’t want my boss to think I was trying to undermine her.
I remember thinking, “I want to better understand the problem we’re trying to solve so that I can really offer up my best support. I have a million questions that I want to ask.” But I didn’t. I could have gotten clear on the problem, but I didn’t want to annoy or frustrate my colleague.
I remember thinking, “I’m so curious about why we made that mistake. Question after question is bubbling up in my head that could help me better understand the places where things went off course.” Did I ask them? I didn’t. I could have supported a learning culture but I didn’t want someone to misinterpret my curiosity as blame.
