Anton is a leading expert in safety leadership, encompassing both physical and psychological safety. He has transformed his lived experience to help others. Anton collaborates with leaders who are committed to achieving world-class safety performance and fostering high-performing, psychologically safe teams.
Almost half of Australians experience a mental illness by the end of their working life, with many cases being work-induced. Leaders are often the frontline of noticing when an employee is developing early declining mental health symptoms or not coping, so there is a real opportunity to intervene early. They must be empowered to prioritise the mental well-being of their teams' and foster environments where individuals feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and take interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences.
What does it take for leaders to thrive truly?
The demands on leaders are greater than ever before, with pressures coming from every direction – from technological advancements and global disruptions to evolving workplace dynamics and the increasing need for psychological safety. Modern workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse and dynamic, requiring leaders to adapt their leadership styles to effectively manage teams with varying backgrounds, perspectives, and needs.
A critical element of modern leadership is the concept of conscious control and how it can be achieved by integrating psychological safety, physical safety, and high performance.
The loss of conscious control
I've seen firsthand the importance of maintaining conscious control as a leader, especially after experiencing workplace stress and trauma. From my personal experience and my professional leadership journey, I've understood what leaders truly need today to operate well, be safe, and feel productive and rewarded.
Traditional, or "old school," leadership styles can have a detrimental impact on businesses, teams, and individuals. This lack of psychological safety can stifle innovation, hinder collaboration, and lead to poor mental health outcomes for employees.
Signs that your current leadership approach may need a refresh
High employee turnover: A constant churn of employees can indicate a lack of psychological safety and poor leadership.
Low team morale and engagement: Disengaged and unmotivated team members may signal a need for a more supportive and inspiring leadership style.
Resistance to change: Difficulty adapting to new technologies or processes can point towards a lack of adaptability in leadership.
Communication breakdowns: Frequent misunderstandings or conflicts within the team can indicate poor communication and a lack of clarity from leadership.
Increased workplace incidents: A rise in safety incidents may suggest a lack of focus on physical safety from leadership.
Conscious control: The key to effective leadership
Conscious control is the ability of a leader to manage their own emotions, behaviours, and situational awareness, particularly under pressure. This allows them to create a safe and supportive environment for their team while effectively navigating challenges and driving high performance. It is not about suppressing emotions but rather understanding and regulating them to make conscious and informed decisions.
Top tips to achieve conscious control leadership
Conscious control in leadership is achieved through the integration of three essential elements: psychological safety, physical safety, and high performance. These elements work together to create a balanced and sustainable approach to leadership.
1. Psychological safety, creating a safe space to speak up
Psychological safety is the foundation of conscious control and a crucial component of leadership in today's workplace. It's about creating an environment where team members feel safe to speak up, share ideas, express concerns, and take interpersonal risks without fear of negative consequences.
When team members feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to:
Share their ideas and perspectives openly
Engage in healthy debate and constructive criticism
Collaborate effectively and innovate
Learn from their mistakes and grow
Leaders can foster psychological safety by:
Being approachable and open to feedback: Leaders who are willing to listen to their team's concerns and suggestions without judgment create a more open and trusting environment.
Encouraging open communication: Creating opportunities for team members to share their thoughts and ideas, whether in meetings, one-on-one conversations, or through suggestion boxes.
Recognising and rewarding contributions: Acknowledging and appreciating team members' efforts, even small ones, can go a long way in building a sense of value and belonging.
Addressing conflicts constructively: Dealing with disagreements and conflicts in a fair and respectful manner, focusing on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
2. Physical safety, ensuring wellbeing and eliminating fear
Physical safety is another critical aspect of conscious control that goes beyond simply meeting occupational health and safety standards. It's about ensuring that leaders and their teams feel secure and protected in their working environment.
This includes:
Providing the necessary resources and equipment to perform tasks safely
Implementing clear safety protocols and procedures
Proactively identifying and mitigating potential hazards
Creating a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility
When leaders prioritise physical safety, it demonstrates a genuine care for their team's well-being. This creates a more focused and productive work environment, free from distractions and fear.
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3. High performance, leading by example and empowering teams
High performance is the natural outcome of a workplace where psychological and physical safety are firmly established. Leaders who practice conscious control create environments that support high performance by:
Setting clear expectations and goals: Providing team members with a clear understanding of what is expected of them and how their work contributes to the overall objectives.
Empowering team members to make decisions: Giving team members the autonomy and authority to make decisions within their areas of responsibility, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
Providing opportunities for growth and development: Investing in training and development programs to help team members enhance their skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute at their highest potential.
Leading by example: Demonstrating the behaviours and values they expect from their team, such as resilience, integrity, and emotional control.
For a related article, click here.
Leaders who practice conscious control are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. They create environments where team members feel safe, valued, and empowered, leading to increased engagement, productivity, and innovation. This approach not only benefits the organization but also contributes to the well-being and resilience of individuals and society as a whole.
Conscious control: Leading with purpose and impact
Conscious control is the key to effective leadership in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. It is the ability of a leader to manage their own emotions, behaviours, and situational awareness, especially when under pressure. This approach enables leaders to establish safe and encouraging environments for their teams while successfully addressing challenges and promoting high performance.
Ready to upgrade your leadership skills and embrace conscious control?
Contact The Guinea Group today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you create a thriving and high-performing workplace.
Read more from Anton Guinea
Anton Guinea, International Safety Leadership Expert and Powerful Speaker
Anton is a leading expert in safety leadership, encompassing both physical and psychological safety. After a near-fatal workplace accident at 21, he transformed his experience into a mission: to ensure that no family receives "that call." Anton collaborates with leaders and organizations committed to achieving world-class safety performance, enhancing safety culture, and fostering high-performing, psychologically safe teams. His speaking, training, consulting, and coaching programs draw on psychology, neurology, and biology, providing actionable strategies for leaders to elevate their safety and leadership practices.
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