Laughing in Unity: How Applied Improv Comedy Can Save Teams from the Perils of Misunderstood Psychological Safety

In the world of professional collaboration and culture, the concept of psychological safety plays a pivotal role in determining team success. Unfortunately, many employers misunderstand this crucial element, unknowingly undermining their teams' performance. Leaders may take a stab at trying to help build psychological safety only to find out they are seeing a reverse impact of their efforts. 

Today, we dive in to clarify the concept of psychological safety, understand the ramifications of working without it (or misunderstanding it), and explore how applied improv comedy can be a transformative tool in fostering psychological safety and enhancing team performance. Major missteps/misconceptions include:

1. Silencing Creativity:

• Misconception: Employers may inadvertently stifle creativity by fostering an environment where team members fear judgment for unconventional ideas.

• Reality: Creativity flourishes in an atmosphere where individuals feel free to express themselves without the fear of criticism.

2. Communication Breakdown:

• Misconception: Some employers mistakenly believe that a lack of dissent indicates a smoothly functioning team.

• Reality: Genuine communication involves open dialogue, and without psychological safety, team members may refrain from expressing dissenting opinions, leading to a lack of valuable input.

3. High-Stakes Work Environment:

• Misconception: Employers often prioritize results over team dynamics, creating a high-stakes environment that puts immense pressure on team members.

• Reality: A tense work environment can lead to stress, burnout, and a decline in overall performance.

We’re on a mission to bring psychological safety to organizations for the positive effects of greater output and results, increased employee happiness and longevity.  Applied improv comedy (the core of our training) has the central healing powers for psychological safety:

1. Encourages Risk-Taking:

• Applied improv comedy creates a safe space for team members to take risks without fear of judgment. This encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity.

2. Strengthens Collaboration:

• Improv comedy relies heavily on collaboration and quick thinking. By engaging in improv exercises, teams can enhance their ability to work together seamlessly, breaking down communication barriers.

3. Promotes Adaptability:

• Improv is all about adapting to the unexpected. Through improv activities, teams learn to embrace change and uncertainty, developing a more agile and resilient approach to challenges.

4. Builds Trust:

• Trust is the foundation of psychological safety. Applying improv to your training creates a supportive atmosphere, strengthening the bonds between team members and enhancing trust amongst employees and leadership.

5. Fosters a Positive Work Culture:

• Laughter is a powerful tool for building camaraderie and reducing stress. Applied improv comedy injects humor into the workplace, creating a positive and enjoyable environment that can significantly improve overall team morale.

The start of the new year is a great time to recognize the impact of misunderstood psychological safety on team performance and take proactive steps to address it. At Amplified we offer a unique and effective solution, offering a playful yet powerful way to cultivate psychological safety within teams. By embracing the principles of active listening, support, positive reinforcement, employers can transform their workplaces into vibrant, creative hubs where team members feel safe, supported, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. After all, in the realm of professional success, sometimes the best performance is the one that begins with a good laugh.