Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever

Published: September 10, 2025

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Psychological safety is not a new term anymore, but it has matured into a foundational leadership capability, much like communication or trust no longer a “nice to have,” but a critical driver of collaboration, retention, and innovation. Drawing on Amy Edmondson’s groundbreaking research and Zenger Folkman’s data from 18,000 employees, they unpack the eight leadership behaviors that create a culture of safety—and share practical strategies leaders can apply right now to build trust, resolve conflict, and invite every voice to the table.

Key Points

Psychological safety is a business driver — it directly impacts retention, innovation, and willingness to give extra effort, not just workplace “niceness.”
Leadership behaviors matter most — Zenger Folkman research on 18,000 employees shows eight specific behaviors strongly correlate with creating safe, respectful environments.
Small improvements create big impact — leaders don’t need to master all eight behaviors; excelling in just three significantly boosts psychological safety scores.
Vulnerability builds trust — when leaders admit mistakes, invite questions, and seek diverse perspectives, teams respond with greater openness and loyalty.
Safety fuels adaptability — in a world of constant change, psychologically safe teams are more resilient, collaborative, and ready to tackle new challenges together.

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.

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Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever

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Episode 172: Why Psychological Safety Matters More Than Ever

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