There’s so much talk about psychological safety these days, but how do you build it on your team? Saying “you can speak up” or “all ideas are welcome” isn’t enough. I’ve tried to model vulnerability and admit when I mess up, but I still notice hesitation when I ask for feedback or invite dissenting opinions. I want my team to feel safe being honest, even when it’s uncomfortable. What are the specific things you do (or don’t do) that have actually created psychological safety in practice, not just in theory?

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When you gaslight, lie and treat your team as if they're stupid, they will start to feel unsafe with you. You need to stand with them through the good times and bad. Promote based on merit not favouritism. Treat people equally but you can still have friends. You have to be seen to be fair, perception is reality. But for me, gaslighting is an instant killer of trust between a manager and his people. Quit it, and realise your people ain't dumb.

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You can’t build psychological safety if your leadership punishes mistakes. All the “safe space” talk means nothing if people see their coworkers disappear after being honest.

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100% agree. I recently responded to a call for feedback from my organizations leadership with things that I'd seen and had others talk to me about. I was senior in the role and company, and positioned the feedback constructively (leaders showing up late for meetings, interrupting 1x1's to take calls, consistently canceling 1x1's/staff meetings, etc.), . I could tell the leaders (Dir's, Sr. Dir's, VP) were shocked to hear it (they just wanted to hear what they wanted to hear). Ultimately, it cost me my job (which was okay as financially was covered). However, I honestly would do it again. If you ask for my honest opinion, you're going to get it. If you're not ready for it, don't ask for it.

When leadership Q&A stops being just the curated and edited questions, when feedback is actioned, and when employee voices are heard not managed, then revisit this question.

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