How to Build Psychological Safety Without Waiting for the Leader

Stop blaming your leader for your silence – seize those defining moments and take a stand

Pixel Stories (Bulgaria)/Stocksy

We’re putting too much emphasis on how leaders should promote psychological safety – and not so much on team members. Even the pundits say it’s a ‘collective effort’ but put all the pressure on formal leaders. The entire team should take the initiative by sharing bold ideas or speaking up – creating a safe environment is a team effort.

Taking risks requires confronting our fears. Fear can prevent us from making bad decisions but also stop us from doing the right thing. Fear is a thin line that separates regret from a defining moment – an experience that determines who you will be.

My courage was put to the test during my first presentation, right after being promoted to VP. During this critical meeting, the CEO of the client company was being disrespectful to one of his team members – a woman. No one, including my boss, intervened. Despite fear of repercussions, I decided to confront the situation head-on.

Everyone stared at me as if I had just committed c…