• According to Dr. Timothy Clark, author of The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation, employees have to progress through the following 4 stages before they feel free to make valuable contributions and challenge the status quo.
  1. Stage: Inclusion Safety
  • Inclusion safety satisfies the basic human need to connect and belong. In this stage, you feel safe to be yourself and are accepted for who you are, including your unique attributes and defining characteristics.
  2. Stage: Learner Safety
  • Learner safety satisfies the need to learn and grow. In this stage, you feel safe to exchange in the learning process by asking questions, giving and receiving feedback, experimenting and making mistakes.
  3. Stage: Contributor Safety
  • Contributor safety satisfies the need to make a difference. You feel safe to use your skills and abilities to make a meaningful contribution.
  4. Stage: Challenger Safety
  • Challenger safety satisfies the need to make things better. You feel safe speaking up and challenging the status quo when you think there’s an opportunity to change or improve.
• When we create psychological safety in our workplace, we will have better meetings, more honest discussions, and ultimately make better decisions.