"Creating Connections in Groups: The Role of Psychological Safety in Improving Team Outcomes"

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Why do some teams thrive while others struggle with collaboration and decision-making? Research shows that psychological safety—the ability to take risks, share ideas, and speak openly without fear of embarrassment or retribution—is a key driver of high-performing teams.

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This session explores the science behind psychological safety and its profound impact on group effectiveness in the workplace. Attendees will gain insights into how fostering a psychologically safe environment enhances problem-solving, decision-making, and overall team success. Through real-world case studies and evidence-based strategies, this session will provide leaders and team members with practical tools to build trust, encourage open dialogue, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

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Whether you’re a team leader, educator, or workplace culture advocate, you’ll walk away with actionable techniques to strengthen team cohesion, improve outcomes, and make collaboration more meaningful.

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Through this session, you'll:​​

1. Understand Psychological Safety – Learn what psychological safety is, why it matters, and how it influences team success.

2. Apply Vulnerable Questions – Discover how intentional questioning and open communication can build trust and encourage participation.

3. See It in Action – Explore case studies that demonstrate how psychological safety transforms workplace collaboration and decision-making.

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Speaker Bio:

Lyn M. van Swol is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She teaches persuasion and organizational communication. Her research focuses on social influence in groups and applying large language models to studying group communication, AI and advice communication, and persuasion in environmental contexts. She edits the journal Small Group Research.