What is Psychological Safety and Why is it Important?

The Positive Psychology People

Psychological safety refers to an individual's ability to be genuine without fearing negative repercussions to their self-image, status, or career. In such environments, individuals feel respected and accepted. This safety results in open communication, where team members can admit ignorance or mistakes without fear. Leaders play a pivotal role in establishing this safety by leading by example, being open-minded, fostering two-way feedback, and setting clear communication guidelines. The importance of psychological safety in an organization extends beyond individual well-being—it impacts overall productivity, profitability, and organizational reputation. Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Co emphasized its essence by urging staff to view challenges as collective problems, not personal faults.