PRESENTATION

Presentation Description:

This presentation examines how library leaders can cultivate environments of psychological safety where staff at every level feel empowered to make suggestions, raise concerns, and take innovative risks. Grounded in the theoretical framework established by Harvard professor Amy C. Edmondson (1999), the session will discuss practical steps on how libraries can promote psychological safety. Drawing upon the author’s experience as University Librarian at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), the presentation will showcase the implementation and outcomes of monthly “ask me anything” (AMA) sessions that encourage staff to anonymously submit questions to library leadership.

Recognising that library managers are often in a difficult position with little direct control over issues that impact staff morale, AMAs will be recommended as one tool for building transparency and fostering trust, which is a key foundation of psychological safety as identified in Edmondson’s research. Practical guidance regarding organisational logistics and event format will be offered, as well as tips for handling challenging questions. Emphasis will be placed on the need to demonstrate genuine openness and commitment to following up on suggestions and concerns raised at AMAs. At HKBU Library a log of all questions and follow-up actions taken is accessible to all staff, ensuring accountability. Examples will be provided of specific successes arising from these AMA sessions.

Beyond the specific case study of HKBU Library’s AMA initiative, the session will discuss broader leadership practices that can contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture. While acknowledging that psychological safety is impossible to impose upon teams in a top-down manner, it will be suggested that library managers should take the lead in modelling desirable behaviours. These include curiosity, in the sense of wanting to truly understand the perspectives and suggestions of others. It also encompasses a willingness to admit mistakes, and generosity when dealing with the mistakes of others. Building trust in this way will take time, but the potential rewards include enhanced organisational effectiveness, innovation capacity, and improved staff well-being leading to higher retention rates. The presentation will conclude with a call for library leaders to assess and enhance psychological safety within their own organisations, regardless of library size or type.