Creating a Safe Psychological Workspace for Teachers – Incorporating Hermann Whole Brain Thinking

To help teachers understand the importance of psychological safety, identify challenges, and implement strategies to foster a supportive environment in schools, using Hermann Whole Brain Thinking to address different cognitive styles.‍

Workshop Agenda‍

1. Welcome and Introduction

• Icebreaker Activity: 'Two Truths and a Lie'
• Participants introduce themselves by sharing two truths and one false statement about their work experiences. This creates an atmosphere of openness and trust.
• Overview: Introduce Hermann Whole Brain Model and the connection between understanding thinking styles and fostering psychological safety.

2. Understanding Psychological Safety

• Definition and Importance: Psychological safety is the belief that one can express ideas without fear of punishment. In schools, it enables teachers to express concerns and ideas freely, enhancing collaboration.
• Key Concepts: Discuss Amy Edmondson’s work on psychological safety and Maslow’s hierarchy in relation to psychological needs.
• Case Study 1: Google’s Project Aristotle – Google’s research found that psychological safety was a key factor in team success.
• Video and Group Discussion: Reflect on the impact of psychological safety in schools.

3. Identifying Barriers to Psychological Safety

• Common Barriers: Hierarchical structures, judgment fears, burnout, conflict avoidance.
• Case Study 2: High teacher turnover due to lack of psychological safety.
• Group Activity: Discuss personal experiences with barriers.

4. Strategies to Build Psychological Safety

• Presentation: Encourage open communication, empathy, inclusive leadership, constructive feedback.
• Hermann Whole Brain Integration: Understand thinking preferences and how to build psychological safety around these.
• Case Study 3: Finnish Schools’ use of trust in building safe learning environments.
• Role-Playing Scenarios using Whole Brain Thinking (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow)

5. Emotional Intelligence and Well-Being

• Presentation: Emotional Intelligence (EI) is key for fostering psychological safety. Discuss self-awareness, self-management, and social awareness.
• Activity: EI self-assessment and mindfulness practices for managing stress.

6. Creating an Action Plan

• Activity: Participants create an action plan to implement psychological safety strategies using Hermann Whole Brain Thinking.
  

7. Conclusion and Next Steps

Summary of key takeaways.

Q&A session and commitment exercise to foster psychological safety in the workplace.