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Psychological Safety: What It Is and Isn’t

Psychological Safety: What It Is and Isn’t

by Starling Insights

Starling Insights Editorial Board

Dec 22, 2023

Observations

ICYMI: In a Financial Times piece from earlier this year, journalist Andrew Hill explained that the concept of "Psychological safety," defined as a lack of interpersonal fear in teams, has become a popular mantra among executives seeking advantages in innovation, performance, and staff retention. However, concern has emerged among some — including a pioneer of the concept, Harvard Business School's Amy Edmondson — that the idea has been "watered down" and "used to mean anything."

Initially studied by Edmondson in the 1990s, psychological safety gained prominence following a 2016 Google study revealing its significance in high-performing teams. Since then, various organizations, including Norway's sovereign wealth fund and Warner Music, have incorporated it into training programs to drive innovation and inclusion.

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