Community Communication Norms

Guidelines for creating safe spaces for authentic expression

At Cadence OneFive, we strive to foster an environment of psychological safety and authentic expression where every team member feels “received” — welcomed, heard, and respected. This concept goes beyond mere politeness; it’s about creating a shared expectation of open dialogue. This guide outlines our approach to creating such an environment.

What it means to be “received”:

“Being received” means feeling genuinely accepted, valued, and welcomed by your colleagues and the organization as a whole. When you are received, you sense that your teammates and collaborators across the organization appreciate you for who you are, strive to understand your perspective, and actively want you to be part of our community. This reception goes beyond mere politeness or professional courtesy - it’s an authentic acknowledgment of your worth and potential contribution to our shared mission. You know your presence matters and your voice will be heard.

When we feel received, we know that we have a basis for dialogue even when we disagree. This shared foundation allows us to approach differences with openness and respect, fostering productive discussions and creative problem-solving.

Being received is an experience we strive to create for every team member, every day. It’s how we ensure that our commitment to bringing our whole selves to work translates into a tangible, positive reality for all.

Understanding Psychological Safety

Psychological safety is the shared belief that it’s safe to take interpersonal risks within our team. When we feel psychologically safe, we’re more likely to:

  • Share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences authentically

  • Take calculated risks without fear of negative consequences

  • Contribute innovative ideas and constructive feedback

In order for everyone to enjoy psychological safety, we recognize that we have to embrace the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives on our team.

By implementing these guidelines, we aim to create a safe space where every team member can express themselves authentically, contribute their unique perspectives, and work collectively towards our shared goals.

Creating and maintaining this safe space is an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment from all of us. If you have suggestions for improving our practices, please share them in the #_horizontal-culture Slack channel.

Speak from personal experience

  • Use “I” statements to share your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

  • Avoid making generalizations or assumptions about others.

Speaking from personal experience, also known as “speaking from I,” is a key principle in nonviolent communication (NVC) developed by Marshall Rosenberg (1999). It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own feelings and needs, promoting clarity, understanding, and empathy in communication.

Listen actively and attentively

  • Give your full attention to the person speaking, without interrupting or planning your response. Different cultures have different norms regarding interruption. Be understanding, but let the person speaking get their thoughts out on the table.

  • Seek to understand others’ perspectives, even if they differ from your own.

  • Check in with folks and give each other permission to do what they need to really listen. For some people, this may mean that they turn off video, even though it’s often assumed that turning off video signals tuning out.

Active listening is a fundamental skill in effective communication and has been extensively studied in psychology and counseling. It involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully, which helps build trust and rapport.

Be mindful of power dynamics

  • Recognize and acknowledge the different levels of power and privilege that may exist within the group.

  • Strive to create an equitable environment where all voices are heard and valued. Actively be equal: don’t use your power in ways that prevent others from expressing their viewpoints

  • Encourage each other to “step up/step back”

Power dynamics can significantly impact group interactions and decision-making processes. Being aware of and addressing power imbalances is essential for creating an inclusive and collaborative environment 

Practice empathy and compassion

  • Seek to understand and connect with others’ emotions and experiences.

  • Offer support and validation, especially when someone shares something difficult or personal.

Empathy and compassion are fundamental to building strong relationships and fostering a supportive community. Research has shown that empathy can improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase prosocial behavior 

Assume positive intent

  • Approach interactions with the belief that others have good intentions, even if their words or actions may be misguided or hurtful.

  • Seek clarification and understanding before making judgments or assumptions.

Assuming positive intent is a key principle in conflict resolution and can help foster a more collaborative and understanding environment (Kahane, 2017). It encourages individuals to approach conflicts with an open mind and to seek mutual understanding.

Embrace constructive conflict

  • Recognize that disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of collaboration and growth.

  • Approach conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to find mutually beneficial solutions.

Constructive conflict can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and stronger relationships when approached with an open mind and a focus on finding win-win solutions

Take responsibility for your own learning and growth

  • Be proactive in seeking out new information, perspectives, and experiences.

  • Reflect on your own biases, assumptions, and areas for growth.

Taking responsibility for one’s own learning and growth is essential for personal and professional development. It involves being self-aware, reflective, and proactive in seeking out new knowledge and experiences

Contribute to a culture of feedback and accountability

  • Offer constructive feedback to others in a respectful and supportive manner.

  • Seek joy in receiving feedback and using it to improve and grow.

  • Hold yourself and others accountable for upholding these community norms.

A culture of feedback and accountability is crucial for continuous improvement and growth. Providing and receiving constructive feedback can help individuals and teams identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for development. Most importantly, it communicates that we value each other as people.