The Secret Sauce for Successful Teams: Psychological Safety A lesson from Google’s Project Aristotle

At the New York Improv Theater, we understand the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when individuals come together to create something new. Whether it’s a hilarious improv scene or a groundbreaking comedy show, the success of our endeavors often hinges on the dynamics of our teams.

Google, a company known for its innovative approach, embarked on a quest to understand what makes teams thrive. Their research initiative, called Project Aristotle, led to a surprising discovery: psychological safety is the key ingredient for high-performing teams.

What is psychological safety?

In a nutshell, it’s the belief that you won’t be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. In a psychologically safe environment, team members feel comfortable taking risks, being vulnerable, and sharing their true selves.

Here’s what Google’s research revealed about the impact of psychological safety:

• Increased creativity and innovation: When people feel safe to express their ideas, the team benefits from a wider range of perspectives and a greater willingness to experiment.
• Improved problem-solving: In a psychologically safe environment, team members are more likely to voice concerns and offer solutions without fear of judgment.
• Higher engagement and motivation: When people feel safe and respected, they’re more likely to be invested in the team’s success and go the extra mile.
• Stronger team cohesion: Psychological safety fosters trust and camaraderie among team members, making them more likely to support each other and work together effectively.

So, how can we create a psychologically safe environment in our improv teams and throughout the New York Improv Theater community? Here are a few tips:

1. Lead by example: Set the tone for openness and respect by sharing your own vulnerabilities and encouraging others to do the same.
2. Active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying, both verbally and nonverbally. Validate their feelings and show that you care.
3. Embrace diversity: Recognize that everyone has unique perspectives and experiences to offer. Encourage diverse opinions and create space for everyone to be heard.
4. Constructive feedback: Focus on giving feedback that is specific, actionable, and kind. Avoid personal attacks or blame.
5. Celebrate failures as learning opportunities: Create a culture where mistakes are seen as chances to grow and improve, rather than reasons for shame.

By cultivating psychological safety, we can unlock the full potential of our teams and create a more supportive, collaborative, and ultimately, more successful community at the New York Improv Theater. Let us help you do the same.

The New York Improv Theater is a one stop edutainment center for corporate team building, office / holiday parties and more. Our comedy shows and workshops deliver high impact results. Clients include Google, Mercedes Benz, META /Facebook, TikTok, JP Morgan Chase, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, Twitter, Roblox, Rimowa, EI Digital, Accenture, Datadog HQ, Milbank, BING/Microsoft, Band of America – Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Johnson & Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Coach, UBS, BDO, AMEX, Master Card, Macy’s, 360i, IBM, GM, Kraft, UNILEAVER, HBO, Prudential, Convene, Conference Board and many more… (NYC DOE VENDORS)

Artistic Director Walt Frasier has 25+ years of professional credits in comedy, Theater and music. He got his big break in TV performing comedy sketches on MTV’s Stankervision, Late Nite with David Letterman, TruTV’s Friends of the People, and most recently on HBO’s Pause with Sam Jay. As an actor, Frasier costarred on NBC’s Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods, USA’s Royal Pains (Filmed in Puerto Rico), Netflix’s Lilyhammer (filmed in Norway) and NICK’s Naked Brothers Band. In addition to 1000s of live performances around the world, Frasier has also appeared in numerous commercials, industrials, webisodes and reality TV shows.