The Psychological Safety Playbook

Everyone needs to feel psychologically safe to reach their full potential.

After studying hundreds of teams, Google’s Project Aristotle found that psychological safety was the most important element in group success. When people feel psychologically safe, they can ask questions, pose ideas, state concerns and admit mistakes without fear of being humiliated or punished. Psychological safety leads to more inclusive, innovative, and high-performing cultures.

As a leader, your role is to set the tone. Ensure that everyone feels valued, and create an environment where people feel safe to contribute ideas, express dissent, and challenge you when necessary. Model the behavior you seek – including listening, humility, trust and openness to criticism – to encourage the same actions in others.

Communicate courageously: Welcome diverse viewpoints – and don’t insist on your own.

When leaders drop the need to be right all the time and actively invite other points of view, they foster a psychologically safe environment that enhances innovation and outcomes.

1. Invite varied viewpoints – Welcome a variety of perspectives; this will make people...