RAISE: A Compassionate Protocol for Psychological Safety in Teams

In today’s fast-paced work environments, psychological safety is the backbone of trust and collaboration. Yet, disruptions — moments of misunderstanding or exclusion — inevitably surface. Left unresolved, these small cracks can undermine an entire workplace culture. The aim is not only to prevent harm but also to establish a robust process for repair. This is where the RAISE Protocol — Recognize, Acknowledge, Inquire, Support, and Evaluate — can make all the difference. By focusing on relationships instead of merely following procedures, RAISE fosters resilience and strengthens interpersonal bonds.

1. Recognize: Spot Disruptions Before They Spread

Disruptions often appear as subtle changes in tone, body language, or participation. Recognizing them early is essential to effective intervention.

• Ask Yourself:
  • “What signs — spoken or unspoken — suggest a teammate might be disengaged or hurt?”
  • “Am I responding thoughtfully, or just reacting?”

Example: Rather than making a brief, corrective statement such as, “Let’s keep things professional,” try saying, “I noticed that moment — are you OK?” This signals genuine care, transforming a simple reaction into an act of compassion.

2. Acknowledge: Validate Experiences to Build Trust

Acknowledgment involves giving space for emotions instead of brushing them aside. When people see their feelings validated, it cultivates trust and opens the door to real resolution.

• Key Point: Resist the urge to jump to solutions. Instead, acknowledge that discomfort has surfaced and that it’s perfectly normal to have different reactions.

Example: Swap “Let’s move on quickly” with “I noticed that might have been tough. It may have felt different for each of us, and that’s OK.” By naming the discomfort, you create a shared understanding that underpins deeper trust.

3. Inquire: Pursue Understanding, Not Just Answers

Inquiring with empathy allows you to go beyond surface-level solutions and embrace meaningful dialogue. The goal is to learn from the disruption, not merely fix it.

• Effective Questions: Open-ended, curiosity-driven, and judgment-free.

Example: Replace “What happened?” with “I’d love to understand how that moment felt for you — if you’re open to sharing.” This approach shifts from interrogation to genuine interest.

4. Support: Offer Tangible, Person-Centered Help

Once you have recognized, acknowledged, and inquired about a disruption, focus on support that addresses real needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all remedy.

• Action Tip: Move from passive offers (“I’m here if you need me”) to active steps (“Would it help to schedule a quick check-in?”).

Example: Saying, “Let’s figure out how we can move forward together” shows that you’re invested in the other person’s well-being, further reinforcing trust.

5. Evaluate: Reinforce Growth Through Follow-Up

True repair happens when you circle back to ensure the solution has taken root. A simple follow-up can prevent lingering harm.

• Consider: Sending a quick note or scheduling a short conversation to ask, “How are you feeling about everything now?”

Example: “I appreciated our talk earlier. Let me know how you’re doing — your perspective matters.” This small gesture demonstrates ongoing support and a commitment to lasting resolution.

Why RAISE Matters

Psychological safety isn’t about eliminating discomfort — it’s about addressing it collectively. By Recognizing, Acknowledging, Inquiring, Supporting, and Evaluating, teams don’t just bounce back from difficult moments; they evolve. Trust grows, collaboration deepens, and organizations shift from fragile structures that avoid harm to adaptive cultures that emerge stronger from it.

The next time disruption strikes, remember the RAISE Protocol. It’s not just about fixing what went wrong; it’s about fortifying what comes next — together.

Francisco J. Guerrero is a Senior Technical Analyst at the Oregon Water Resources Department, an environmental scientist, and a strategic science communicator with over 20 years of experience in water resources, ecohydrology, and environmental policy. He specializes in bridging science with public and policy audiences, making complex topics accessible and actionable. His research explores uncertainty, information theory, and the dynamic interplay between water, land, and climate. As a GovLoop Featured Contributor, Francisco shares insights on innovative approaches to water governance, resilience, and decision-making. Previously, he worked as a science journalist at CNN Español, contributing illustrated articles and participating in the 360-degree coverage of the 2018 Thai cave rescue.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Oregon Water Resources Department.