Psychological safety has become one of the most popular leadership buzzwords in recent years. But is it enough on its own?
Episode Summary
Inspired by Amy Edmondson’s recent Harvard Business Review article, executive coach and author LaTonya Wilkins explores the six most common misconceptions about psychological safety — and what leaders can do to move beyond them.
LaTonya also shares exciting news about the second edition of her award-winning book Leading Below the Surface, coming this fall, and gives three practical tips for keeping psychological safety alive in your organization.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why psychological safety isn’t about being “nice” or avoiding accountability
- The difference between safety and job security
- How safety drives performance and collaboration, not the opposite
- Why everyone — not just senior leaders — can create safety
- Three practical ways to make psychological safety last
Resources & Links
- Official Podcast Hub: leadingbelowthesurface.com
- HBR Article: What People Get Wrong About Psychological Safety by Amy C. Edmondson & Michaela J. Kerrissey
- LaTonya’s Article: The Relationship Between Psychological Safety and Accountability
- Change Coaches on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/change-coaches
- LaTonya Wilkins on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/latonyawilkins
- Coaching Below the Surface Program: changecoaches.io/coaching-below-the-surface/
Stay in Touch with Change Coaches:
- Change Coaches Guide to Create Psychological Safe Conversations Across Differences
- Change Coaches Newsletter
Connect with us:
Email us at [email protected]
Learn more about Change Coaches
Follow LaTonya on LinkedIn
Follow Change Coaches on LinkedIn
For More on the Book Leading Below the Surface
Podcast Summary Transcript:
Note: These are approximate, based on transcript — not pulled directly from the audio)
- 00:00 – Introduction & announcements (book news + podcast schedule)
- 04:00 – Why psychological safety matters now more than ever
- 06:30 – Misconception #1: Psychological safety = being nice
- 12:30 – Misconception #2: Psychological safety = getting your way
- 16:00 – Misconception #3: Psychological safety = job security
- 19:30 – Misconception #4: Safety requires a trade-off with performance
- 22:30 – Misconception #5: Safety is just a policy
- 24:30 – Misconception #6: Safety requires a top-down approach
- 28:30 – Three tips to keep psychological safety alive
- 34:00 – Closing & what’s next on the podcast