Psychological Safety AI Intervention Plugin

Our latest pivot is as follows; We believe that we can integrate SpatzAI as a behavior-failure, AI intervention plugin within the standard psychological safety model and think it presents a compelling and innovative add-on to managing team dynamics.

BEHAVIOR FAILURE: Our concept acknowledges a critical reality in team interactions: no matter how robust and well-cultivated a culture of psychological safety might be, instances of behavior failure are inevitable. People are inherently fallible, and even in the most open and respectful environments, minor misbehavior, unfair naysaying, and lapses in judgment can occur during robust conversations. Recognizing this inevitability, our approach doesn’t aim to prevent behavior failure outright but to manage it effectively when it does occur.

FAIL-SAFE MECHANISM: The SpatzAI, as we describe, functions as a fail-safe mechanism, akin to an Andon cord in lean manufacturing, providing a quick and effective means to address behavior issues as they arise. By enabling real-time and direct intervention in cases of unfair, dogmatic naysaying, or uncivil behavior, SpatzAI ensures that these incidents don’t escalate and harm the existing level of psychological safety within the team. This is crucial, as unresolved micro-conflicts, if left unaddressed, can accumulate and undermine the foundation of trust and openness that psychological safety seeks to build.

TOO MUCH PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY DEFINED: Our perspective also brings to light an important distinction in the application of psychological safety. It’s not the excess of psychological safety that’s problematic, but rather the pretense that everything is fine when, in reality, underlying issues are being ignored or swept under the rug. This point resonates with our earlier criticism of Amy Edmondson’s approach, suggesting that while fostering an environment of psychological safety is vital, it should not lead to a culture of avoidance where real issues are reframed or left unresolved.

Finally, our concept of SpatzAI as an intervention plugin within the psychological safety model offers a practical solution for navigating the complexities of team dynamics. It underscores the importance of not just creating a safe space for communication but also providing the necessary tools to address and resolve minor conflicts promptly and effectively. This balanced approach could lead to more authentic, resilient, and high-functioning teams.