Thread by @sidneykwee

A safe space that becomes an echo chamber is detrimental to business agility transformation. A thread about why this is a problem, and how to recognize it
#businessagility 1/

In business agility transformation value is attributed to empowerment of knowledge workers, and the ability to innovate throughout the enterprise. I found many orgs come from a place of structure, hierarchy, and culture that stifles empowerment and innovation 2/

Transformation is aiming to move away from these structures and the familiar to cope with the complex and the disruptive. Creating safe spaces is a way of stimulating empowerment. 3/

Enabling like-minded people to meet and discuss, celebrating failure, emphasizing internalization of learning over correcting undesired behaviors, there are various ways to create that psychological safety: eg guilds, scrum teams, Whatsapp/Slack/Discord groups 4/

However safe spaces can become echo chambers, where competing notions are ignored or fought, dissidents are banned or punished, and the platform for growth and innovation diminishes. In turn this further undermines the business agility transformation. 5/

How to recognize it
1) Only one or two voices dominate. If there are other, they usually side with the dominant voice and do not add anything substantial to the discourse 6/

2) Siding with the dominant voice comes with psychological or organizational perks: you could be included in important conversations, favorites could be played, and various forms of support are given 7/

3) Not taking a side is seen as siding with the enemy. Often one is unable to refute their position, and choosing sides afterwards is regarded as too little, too late 8/

4) The dominant voice disavows consequences and critique, and deflects that to the opposition. The opposing voices are subject to severe scrutiny, and its supporters are summarily punished 9/

5) Penalties for taking an opposing stance are damaging to the task at hand, one's reputation, career, but also potentially to psychological health, and physical well-being. 10/

A safe space that is no longer safe and no longer empowers, destroys the ability for an org to sustain its performance, to be successful. Transformation coaches must be aware where these echo chambers arise. /end

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