136: Mehmet Baha - Showing Curiosity and Sharing Mistakes: Cornerstones of Psychological Safety

Mehmet Baha is the author of “Creating Psychological Safety at Work” and a psychological safety trainer and speaker. Baha, as he is known, discusses the critical role of psychological safety in team performance in the modern workplace. He shares insights about how open dialogue about mistakes and a strengths-based approach enhance trust, collaboration, and results. Baha explains the importance of curiosity and empathy, and giving autonomy. He offers leaders actionable tips for cultivating vulnerability and fostering safe spaces that support innovation.

 

 

TAKEAWAYS

 

[01:59] Baha’s childhood in Cyprus—a divided island—prompts his interest in conflict resolution.

 

[03:28] Assisting his father, facilitating leadership training shapes Baha’s career path.

 

[04:30] Music influences Baha’s innovative approach and teamwork skills.

 

[06:22] At Facebook early on, Baha experiences a psychologically safe workplace.

 

[08:05] Google’s Project Aristotle shows psychological safety is key for high-performing teams.

 

[09:00] Psychological safety becomes central to his training and consulting work.

 

[10:40] Clarity, purpose, and high standards are other key elements driving team success.

 

[11:28] Collaboration and openness drive better  than hidden mistakes.

 

[12:20] Amy Edmundson’s 1990’s study connecting reported mistakes and successful outcomes.

 

[13:33] Research shows learning from mistakes boosts team performance.

 

[14:46] Sharing mistakes, building upon ideas, and appreciating employees’ strengths create psychological safety.

 

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