What Psychological Safety Really Means (And Doesn’t)

Let’s get clear on what we’re actually talking about.

Amy Edmondson defines psychological safety as:

“A belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes.”

Notice that word: belief.

This is about perception—not intention. You might think your team knows they can speak freely, but if they’re not acting like it, something’s missing.

Also: this isn’t about creating endless comfort. It’s not coddling, hand-holding, or letting standards slide.

Actually, Edmondson’s research shows that the highest-performing teams are both:

• High in psychological safety and

• High in accountability and excellence.

So people feel safe to speak up—and they care deeply about doing great work.

The takeaway?

Psychological safety doesn’t mean lowering the bar. It means removing the fear that keeps people from reaching it.