Publications
Publications
- May–June 2025
- Harvard Business Review
What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety
By: Amy C. Edmondson and Michaela J. Kerrissey
Abstract
Psychological safety—a shared belief among team members that it’s OK to speak up with candor—has become a popular concept. However, as its popularity has grown, so too have misconceptions about it. Such misunderstandings can lead to frustration among leaders and employees, stymie constructive debates, and ultimately harm organizational performance. In this article the authors identify the following six common misperceptions: Psychological safety means being nice; it means getting your way; it means job security; it requires a trade-off with performance; it’s a policy; and it requires a top-down approach. They explain why each misperception gets in the way and give advice on how to counter it. They also offer leaders a blueprint for building the kind of strong, learning-oriented work environment that is crucial for success in an uncertain world. Leaders should clearly communicate what psychological safety is and what it isn’t, and take steps to improve the quality of conversations and to establish structures and rituals that will help teams assess their progress in building a psychologically safe environment.
Keywords
Citation
Edmondson, Amy C., and Michaela J. Kerrissey. "What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety." Harvard Business Review 103, no. 3 (May–June 2025): 52–59.