How to create Psychological Safety
- Author: Ryan Jenkins
- Word Count: 365
Read the news article
Here are six ways to create psychological safety to re-engage and reassure today’s anxious, disengaged and lonely workforce.
Teams can be lonely places. People can feel vulnerable and exposed if they believe their teammates don’t support their ideas or appreciate their work. These interpersonal struggles intensify for remote workers who lack the support of a nodding ally across the table.
Amid the increased importance of workplace equality and allyship and the growing loneliness and isolation among virtual teams, it’s never been more critical that leaders create psychological safety among their teams.
Workers who feel that they can freely raise concerns, questions and ideas without repercussion are benefiting from psychological safety. Psychological safety pays off in increased creativity, trust and productivity among a team and is the single most important quality that determines a team’s success.
Here are six ways leaders can create psychological safety for their teams.
Psychological Safety
1. Listen to understand
Active listening is a hallmark trait of psychological safety. Too often leaders selectively listen for information that reinforces their view or strengthens their argument.
2. Speak last
When leaders share their thoughts about a topic and then ask for the team’s opinion, it’s too late.
3. Identify blind spots together
When leaders invite others into helping identify blind spots, it’s an admission to not having all the answers.
4. Productively address problems
Instead of blaming or expressing frustration when a team member brings up a problem, instead be appreciative of their insight and dedication to solving the problem.
5. Connect contributions to value
Humans have an innate desire for their contributions to be valued by the community. For centuries humans have found safety in numbers.
6. Switch video on and off
Seeing people’s faces during a video call can create engagement and provide helpful visual cues and non-verbal agreement.
Article written by Ryan Jenkins a Millennial generational speaker
However, it’s challenging for leaders to create psychological safety, because by virtue of their role they have power, and power is a barrier to psychological safety. In order to counterbalance the weight of their powerful role, leaders have to go out of their way to intentionally and strategically build psychological safety.
Speaker Listing
Further articles you may enjoy:
- (5)
Transforming Mindsets: How Motivational Speakers Fuel Personal and Professional Growth In a world defined by rapid technological advances, shifting global markets, and increasingly competitive work environments, cultivating the right mindset has become more crucial than ever. Organizations and individuals alike are discovering that technical knowledge and hard skills alone are not enough to navigate ever-evolving […]
- January 6, 2025
- (9)
When audiences hear Chris Bertish speak, they don’t just listen—they lean in. From the moment he begins sharing his journey to the legendary Mavericks Big Wave Surfing Competition, there’s a palpable shift in the room. This isn’t just another motivational talk. It’s a story of grit, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of something greater than […]
- April 9, 2026
- (7)
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable tool for corporate transformation, particularly in enhancing sales and productivity. By automating routine tasks, personalizing customer experiences, and deriving actionable insights from vast datasets, AI provides companies with a competitive edge, fostering growth and improving operational efficiency. Boosting Sales through AIAI empowers […]
- October 25, 2024
- (35)
The old saying, “What got you here won’t get you there,” applies to your professional life today with One Skill You Need. The world is quickly changing as well as the competitive landscape. Whether you are running a business or trying to increase your career equity, ramping up One Skill You Need set is important. […]
- May 18, 2023
- (8)
The Art of Selecting the Perfect Speaker: A Step-by-Step Guide for Event Planners In an age when live and virtual events compete for attendees’ limited attention, the value of an outstanding keynote speaker has never been higher. The right speaker can energize a room, bridge knowledge gaps, and spark meaningful conversations that last long after […]
- December 11, 2024
- (18)
Do you have to be a manager or executive to Being A Leader? No! Leading others is a choice. It isn’t about your title. Many people with executive titles are terrible leaders, and many people without a fancy title are outstanding leaders. More than your title, being a leader is about influencing change and inspiring […]
- December 13, 2022
- (4)
On a recent flight, at almost every stop along the way, the airline I had chosen reminded me that I was flying with “the best” So can you over-compliment your CX team. Airport signage told me…the CEO appearing on the pre-flight safety video told me…the flight attendant announcements told me…well, you get the picture. The […]
- December 23, 2022
- (21)
The Great Debate in Event Planning – Virtual, Hybrid, or In-Person? The event planning industry is buzzing with controversy: is the future of events virtual, hybrid, or in-person? As technology continues to evolve and attendee expectations shift, planners face the challenge of choosing formats that balance innovation, accessibility, and impact. This debate is not just […]
- January 20, 2025
