THIS Leader Podcast
Episode 15: Building Psychological Safety - Communication Strategies That Make All The Difference
May 20, 2025
Is your team holding back their best ideas? In this powerful episode, I explore the four stages of psychological safety and share specific communication strategies that transform team dynamics. Discover how small shifts in how you communicate can create an environment where innovation flourishes, problems are addressed early, and talented people thrive.
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Picture this: "You're in a meeting with an idea that could help solve a challenge, but subtle cues from leaders, an eye roll, a distracted glance at a phone, make you decide it's safer to stay quiet". This scenario plays out in workplaces daily, and as leaders, we often create these conditions without realizing the serious consequences.
In this episode, I break down psychological safety into four essential stages based on Timothy Clark's framework: Inclusion Safety (Do I belong?), Learner Safety (Can I make mistakes?), Contributor Safety (Are my unique gifts valued?), and Challenger Safety (Can I question established ways?). For each stage, I share practical communication strategies that make all the difference.
These aren't just "nice to have" practices; they're essential for innovation, problem-solving, and retention. Learn how small shifts in communication can begin transforming your team immediately, and discover why psychological safety isn't just about what leaders create, but also requires personal responsibility from every team member. This isn't about being perfect; it's about being intentional with every interaction.


"As a leader, your communication sets the tone. Every interaction either builds psychological safety or erodes it. There is no neutral ground."
Highlights from this episode:
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About your Host
Claire Laughlin, MA, Organizational Development Consultant
Hi! I'm Claire Laughlin, and I love helping leaders like you create workplaces where people truly thrive.
For over two decades, I've been rolling up my sleeves alongside teams and organizations, using hands-on methods that actually work (because let's face it - theory only gets you so far!).Â
I specialize in teaching leaders how to engage their teams, helping managers become more effective facilitators, and showing people how to work better together.
I'm also a master facilitator for the Six Types of Working Genius® - a fantastic tool that helps you understand and leverage your natural talents.
When I'm not helping leaders like you build happy, high-energy workplaces, I'm enjoying a hike in the forest with my dog Fiona, spending time with my family or curled up with a great book.

Let's keep the party going!
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