goodmedicine

'Psychological safety' - what it is, why it's important & how to build it

March 6, 2025

Psychological safety is a term particularly popularised by Amy Edmonson, Professor of Leadership & Management at Harvard Business School ... https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6451. She defines it as a shared belief among members of a team that it is safe to take interpersonal risks. This includes speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. She describes it as “felt permission for candor,” meaning individuals feel it is expected and valued to express themselves openly, even in hierarchical situations. Edmondson emphasizes that psychological safety is a group-level phenomenon shaped by team norms and dynamics. It enables learning, innovation, and collaboration by fostering an environment where individuals are willing to engage despite uncertainties or doubts.