Psychological Safety – The Big Misunderstanding

Dear Life Amplifiers,

Think psychological safety is the magic ingredient for stellar team performance? Think again. Without accountability, it's merely a feel-good illusion, not a strategy.

Psychological Safety – A Definition

Psychological safety is the bedrock that allows team members to voice ideas and concerns without fear of retribution or ridicule—a concept pioneered by Amy Edmondson that's become a buzzword in corporate lexicons. Yet, it's not the whole story.

What does it not mean

Psychological safety is not about being nice or avoiding conflict; it's about fostering an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and concerns without fear of embarrassment or punishment. It does not mean lowering performance standards or tolerating mediocrity, but rather encouraging open, honest dialogue and risk-taking within a framework of mutual respect and high expectations.

The Crucial Balance: Psychological Safety and Accountability

Here's the thing: psychological safety without accountability is like a car with no engine—it may look good, but it's not going anywhere.

Why?

It's in the "learning zone," where high psychological safety meets high accountability, that teams hit their stride, innovating and excelling beyond the norm. Without accountability, teams languish in the "comfort zone," cozy but stagnant, where mediocrity thrives. On the flip side, high accountability without psychological safety lands teams in the "anxiety zone," a high-stress environment where fear stifles potential. And let's not forget the "apathy zone" — low on both counts, where motivation goes to die.

Conclusion

Psychological safety? Important! But without the rigor of accountability, it's just a comfort blanket in a world that demands not just survival, but constant learning and performing. Therefore, true excellence in teams emerges not from safety alone, but from the dynamic dance of safety and accountability.

Wishing you all a psychologically safe and at the same time stimulating and challenging week!

Best,

Andreas von der Heydt

https://andreasvonderheydt.com/

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