Building psychological safety in nonprofit organizations with Michael Randel

In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a “soft” concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation. 

They discuss: 

• The connection between organizational readiness and the deeper human dynamics that shape effective leadership and collaboration. 

• What psychological safety looks like in action, 

• Why it’s vital in today’s polarized climate,

• How nonprofit leaders can foster inclusive, high-trust environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and learn from mistakes.

 

Episode highlights:

[00:08:55] 🔍 What is Psychological Safety?

[00:12:05] 📉 The Cost of Silence

[00:15:05] 📊 How Do You Know It’s There?

[00:17:55] 🧠 Insights from Surgery Rooms

[00:21:05] 🤝 Belonging Happens in the Small Moments

[00:23:55] 🛠️ The Five Practices of Psychological Safety

[00:28:55] 👂 More Than Lip Service

[00:32:55] 🔁 Inclusive Rituals in Action

[00:37:55] 🧩 Are Leadership Teams Actually Teams?

[00:40:55] 📈 Safety and Accountability Aren’t Opposites

[00:42:55] ❓ Two Powerful Questions for Leaders

Guest Bio:

Michael Randel helps leaders and their teams move through Change and Growth with Calm and Confidence. He developed the RCA Seasons of GrowthTM framework to help people understand and move through the three common phases of change. This allows leaders to navigate the challenges of change and bring about transformational results. With 30 years of experience, Michael works with philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and public sector agencies to help them navigate change with success and poise with his expertise in organizational change. The influence and impact of Michael’s work has been recognized with multiple global awards, and his clients include Amnesty International, AstraZeneca, NASA, United Nations, and the World Bank.

Important Links and Resources:

Michael Randel

Randel Consulting Associates

RCA Resources

RCA Resources for Psychological Safety

RCA Solutions

Amy C. Edmonson

The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmonson

 

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