Anton Guinea
Entrepreneur, Speaker, bestselling author, and founder of The Guinea Group of Companies. For over 15 years, Anton has helped leaders move their teams to become psychologically safe, physically safe and overall better versions of themselves.
One of the most powerful traits I’ve seen in truly great leaders is their ability to make others feel safe enough to speak honestly. Not just to talk but to feel comfortable sharing concerns, ideas, and even pushback. This sense of psychological safety isn’t a buzzword. It’s what creates high-performing, trusting, resilient teams.
In every organisation I’ve worked with, it’s never been about the leader with the most charisma or the fanciest strategy. The best leaders are the ones who give others space. They pause. They listen. They make you feel like what you say matters. And over time, that sense of safety becomes the foundation for everything else: better communication, faster problem-solving, and deeper trust.
Here are three ways I’ve seen great leaders foster this kind of safety:
1. They Listen to Understand, Not to Respond
Leaders who build safety are present when others speak. They put down their phone, look you in the eye, and really take in what you’re saying. They don’t interrupt. They ask questions. They reflect back what they heard.
This kind of listening makes people feel like their voice matters. And when people feel heard, they’re more willing to speak again. That’s where safety starts.
2. They Respond Calmly, Even When It’s Hard
No one wants to speak up if they’re afraid they’ll get shut down or punished. Great leaders stay steady, even when the feedback stings or the idea challenges their thinking. Instead of reacting defensively, they thank the person for being honest.
This calm, respectful response builds trust. It sends the message: “It’s safe to be real here.”
3. They Model Honesty and Vulnerability
I’ve watched leaders admit they got it wrong, ask for input, or share their uncertainty. Not as a weakness, but as a strength. That kind of openness sets the tone for the whole team.
When your team sees that truth is welcomed, not punished, they start showing up with more of it. And that’s when the magic happens.
A Personal Challenge
If you’re a leader, ask yourself this: Do people around you feel safe to speak? If you’re not sure, start small. Be more present in your next conversation. Hold back your first reaction. Thank someone for telling you something hard.
Psychological safety is built in the little moments. Over time, those moments add up to something powerful. That’s the kind of culture that helps teams thrive—and the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting mark.
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UPGRADE your Mindset
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