Nine Phrases Great Leaders Use to Build Psychological Safety (And Why It Matters for Career Growth)

Introduction

Imagine working in an environment where:

• You’re too scared to share ideas.
• You fear making mistakes.
• You feel invisible, overlooked, and undervalued.

Sounds familiar? This type of workplace doesn’t just affect morale—it reduces productivity, drives talented employees away, and creates a disconnect from the company’s vision.

What’s the solution? Psychological safety.

When leaders create an atmosphere of trust and security, employees thrive. Collaboration improves, innovation flourishes, and teams perform at their best. Here are 9 powerful phrases great leaders use to foster psychological safety and build high-performing teams:

1. “We Can Solve This Together.”

This phrase emphasizes teamwork and reduces the fear of failure. Employees feel supported knowing they’re not alone in addressing challenges.

2. “There Are No Bad Ideas Here.”

Encouraging open brainstorming ensures employees feel safe sharing their thoughts. It cultivates a culture of creativity and mutual respect.

3. “Let’s Explore That Idea Further.”

Validating an idea shows that leaders value their team’s input, even if the idea isn’t fully developed.

4. “How Can I Support You Better?”

Demonstrating a willingness to assist builds trust and shows genuine care for an employee’s growth and well-being.

5. “Your Input Is Valuable to the Team.”

Recognizing contributions boosts confidence and reinforces an employee’s sense of belonging.

6. “Thank You for Being Candid with Me.”

Appreciating honesty creates an environment where employees feel safe expressing concerns or feedback.

7. “I Believe in Your Ability to Handle This.”

Confidence in employees’ skills inspires them to take ownership and perform at their best.

8. “I Encourage You to Take Risks and Experiment.”

When employees know they won’t be punished for taking calculated risks, they’re more likely to innovate and push boundaries.

9. “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes; We Learn from Them.”

Normalizing mistakes helps employees view them as learning opportunities rather than failures.

Final Thoughts:

Leaders who prioritize psychological safety empower their teams to thrive. By incorporating these phrases into daily interactions, you can build a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation.

Which phrase will you start using today?