Jul 28, 2025
In episode 128 of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, Michael Randel joins Carol to explore how psychological safety—often dismissed as a “soft” concept—plays a critical role in nonprofit team performance, learning, and innovation.
They discuss:
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The connection between organizational readiness and the deeper human dynamics that shape effective leadership and collaboration.
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What psychological safety looks like in action,
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Why it’s vital in today’s polarized climate,
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How nonprofit leaders can foster inclusive, high-trust environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and learn from mistakes.
Episode highlights:
[00:08:55] 🔍 What is Psychological Safety?
[00:12:05] 📉 The Cost of Silence
[00:15:05] 📊 How Do You Know It’s There?
[00:17:55] 🧠 Insights from Surgery Rooms
[00:21:05] 🤝 Belonging Happens in the Small Moments
[00:23:55] 🛠️ The Five Practices of Psychological Safety
[00:28:55] 👂 More Than Lip Service
[00:32:55] 🔁 Inclusive Rituals in Action
[00:37:55] 🧩 Are Leadership Teams Actually Teams?
[00:40:55] 📈 Safety and Accountability Aren’t Opposites
[00:42:55] ❓ Two Powerful Questions for Leaders
Guest Bio:
Michael Randel helps leaders and their teams move
through Change and Growth with Calm and Confidence. He developed
the RCA Seasons of GrowthTM framework to help people understand and
move through the three common phases of change. This allows leaders
to navigate the challenges of change and bring about
transformational results. With 30 years of experience, Michael
works with philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations,
corporations, and public sector agencies to help them navigate
change with success and poise with his expertise in organizational
change. The influence and impact of Michael’s work has been
recognized with multiple global awards, and his clients include
Amnesty International, AstraZeneca, NASA, United Nations, and the
World Bank.
Important Links and Resources:
RCA Resources for Psychological Safety
The Fearless Organization by Amy Edmonson
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