2024-04-01: Our first chat

11 scientists and science support professionals met for the first time and reflected on their unique experiences and lessons learned around psychological safety, in addition to a discussion about April Fools’ Day!

Published

April 1, 2024

Note

Names and identifying details have been omitted to provide a safe discussion space without fear of negative consequences.

The source of this document is a shared Google Document, so please keep in mind that the speaker changes from bullet-to-bullet.

Attendees

11 attendees represented the following organizations:

  • Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NOAA-PIFSC)
  • Southwest Fisherise Science Center (NOAA-SWFSC)
  • Northwest Fisherise Science Center (NOAA-NWFSC)
  • Northeast Fisherise Science Center (NOAA-NEFSC)
  • Openscapes
  • National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)

Icebreaker

What’s your favorite or least favorite April Fools’ joke you’ve seen today?

  • Many reflected on negative psychological safety experiences with April Fools’ jokes.
  • “The distinction between a fun prank and bullying isn’t as clear as it may seem.”
  • Some reflected on jokes which have negatively affected their work day.

Discussion

What does “psychological safety” mean to you?

Important

TODO: Finish!

In your career, what experiences stand out in your memory when you think about “psychological safety”?

Important

TODO: Finish!

What do you do or want to do to improve psychological safety in your workplace?

Important

TODO: Finish!

Next meeting prep

Would you like to meet again? When? What kinds of things would you like to focus on?

  • Would be nice to going back to discussion about Psychological safety around openscapes and open science - how to feel “safe” to share and use materials (can be overwhelming)
    • There are a lot of positive interactions in open source communities that aren’t very visible. Would making them more visible help?
Important

TODO: Finish!

Action items