[EP1] Cultivating a Culture of Trust

In this episode of Root Issue Radio, Jill Young and Sue Hawkes unpack psychological safety and how it shows up in teams. They explore why structure, consistency, and a shared process like IDS can help people feel safe enough to speak honestly and solve issues together.

Sue opens by looking at what is not safe in a team room, pointing out that body language, silence, tone, and behavior often reveal more than words. Jill connects that observation to the structure of EOS, explaining that agreed-upon meeting rhythms and clear expectations create a sense of safety that helps teams stay focused and collaborative.

The conversation also highlights the role of optimism. Jill and Sue discuss how teams that believe problems can be solved tend to be more open, more creative, and more willing to engage in the work, while teams driven by pessimism or deficit thinking often shut down the room

Listener Takeaway
Psychological safety is not just about being nice; it is built through structure, consistency, shared expectations, and a belief that the team can solve hard things together. When leaders follow the process and create space for honest conversation, the room becomes safer, clearer, and more effective.

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