The Leader Factor Trust vs. Psychological Safety: What Leaders Get Wrong
Aug 5, 2025
Explore the vital distinction between trust and psychological safety in teams. Learn how employees can trust leaders yet still fear speaking up. Discover how trust acts as positive predictability, while psychological safety fosters rewarded vulnerability. The hosts provide practical advice for cultivating both elements to enhance team contribution. Uncover the concept of a Trust–Psychological Safety Flywheel, illustrating how consistent behavior can unlock team potential. This conversation is essential for any leader aiming to create a culture of open communication.
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Show Up Versus Speak Up
- Trust gets people to show up because it provides positive predictability about behavior and outcomes.
- Psychological safety gets people to speak up because it signals vulnerability will be rewarded, not punished.
Trusted Company, Silent Meetings
- Tim describes employees who trust their company broadly but stay silent in meetings.
- They love the organization yet avoid speaking because the meeting environment feels unsafe.
Trust As Positive Predictability
- Trust is framed as positive predictability and is largely amoral and mechanical.
- Leaders build trust through repeated, consistent interactions so others can forecast behavior.