Creating Psychological Safety
Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating an environment where your team feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. At Wilcox & Associates, we believe that psychological safety is at the core of every high-performing team. Without it, people hesitate to share ideas, avoid taking risks, and hold back from honest conversations.
So, how do you build that kind of trust within your team? It comes down to three key principles: protection, permission, and removing potency.
Protection: Creating a Safe Space for Honest Conversations
If team members feel like what they say could be used against them, they’ll never speak freely. Protection means ensuring conversations, especially coaching discussions, stay confidential and aren’t held over someone’s head later. This isn’t about sugarcoating feedback; it’s about making sure people know they can speak up without fear of consequences.
Permission: Encouraging Open Communication
Most employees won’t speak up unless they know it’s not just allowed but encouraged. Permission means making it clear that your team has the space to share their thoughts without being shut down or dismissed. The best leaders create an environment where team members feel heard and know their input is welcomed and matters.
Removing Potency: Leading Without Intimidation
Power dynamics can make or break a team’s culture. When leaders lean too much on their authority, it creates an intimidating atmosphere where people hesitate to be honest. Removing potency doesn’t mean giving up leadership, it means fostering mutual respect so that conversations happen on a level playing field. A strong team thrives on collaboration, not hierarchy.
Making It Happen in Your Leadership
Psychological safety isn’t just a nice concept, it directly impacts innovation, teamwork, and overall performance. Here’s where to start:
Protect Conversations – Keep feedback and coaching discussions confidential.
Encourage Openness – Let your team know their thoughts are welcome.
Check Your Leadership Style – Make sure your authority isn’t shutting down honest communication.
Building a culture where people feel safe to speak up takes intention and effort, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership and create a workplace where your team thrives, schedule a complimentary call today: https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/95c163b3d0d543dd850af3afe5f78fb6@sandler.com?anonymous&ep=pcard
