Diversity at Work: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace | Ingrid Nembhard — Ripple Effect
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW Psychological safety is an important component to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, but it takes on extra significance for people from underrepresented groups. Wharton’s Ingrid Nembhard explains why.
Topics and Questions covered: 00:00 - Introductions 1:06 - Predicting workplace dynamics 3:25 - Defining psychological safety 7:25 - Consequences of risk-taking at work 12:03 - Becoming a DEI spokesperson 16:06 - Prioritizing inclusivity in the workplace 21:10 - Emphasizing the “Why” not “How”
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research — but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
In honor of Juneteenth, the Ripple Effect podcast is showcasing a special series of conversations on equity and opportunity, diving deep into the complex issues of racial inequality, bias, and representation within organizations. This special will be led by guest host Kenneth Shropshire, faculty director of Wharton’s Coalition for Equity and Opportunity.
Learn more at http://whr.tn/rippleeffect.
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Brief Summary
Ingrid Nemhart discusses psychological safety's role in fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace with Kenneth Shropshire.
Key points
- Understanding Psychological Safety. Ingrid defines psychological safety as the belief that it’s safe to take interpersonal risks at work.
- The Impact of Diversity on Speaking Up. Ingrid explains how diversity can create hesitance in raising concerns within organizations.
- The Importance of a Supportive Climate. Ingrid stresses that without a supportive climate, diversity initiatives will not succeed.
- Learning and Psychological Safety. Ingrid discusses how learning is hindered without psychological safety in the workplace.
- The Importance of Why. Great leaders explain the reasons behind actions, fostering understanding and motivation.
- Motivation and Fit. Helping employees understand their role contributes to a more motivated workforce.
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Episode highlights
- Understanding Psychological SafetyIngrid defines psychological safety as the belief that it’s safe to take interpersonal risks at work.“Psychological safety is the belief that it’s safe to take interpersonal risk at work.”3:29Jun 27, 2023
- The Impact of Diversity on Speaking UpIngrid explains how diversity can create hesitance in raising concerns within organizations.“Diversity issues often make people hesitant to raise concerns in the workplace.”8:38Jun 27, 2023
- The Importance of a Supportive ClimateIngrid stresses that without a supportive climate, diversity initiatives will not succeed.“Unless the climate allows for free voicing, initiatives don’t matter.”14:56Jun 27, 2023
- Learning and Psychological SafetyIngrid discusses how learning is hindered without psychological safety in the workplace.“Learning is hard, and you can’t learn to be different without psychological safety.”15:37Jun 27, 2023
- The Importance of WhyGreat leaders explain the reasons behind actions, fostering understanding and motivation.“The best leaders explain why they're doing something.”21:25Jun 27, 2023
- Motivation and FitHelping employees understand their role contributes to a more motivated workforce.“It's a matter of helping people understand how they fit.”22:09Jun 27, 2023
- Creating a Safe EnvironmentFostering a safe atmosphere encourages continuous learning and improvement in organizations.“Making people feel safe fosters continuous learning.”22:37Jun 27, 2023





