Leadership Language that Promotes Psychological Safety
Speech has power. Words do not fade. What starts out as a sound, ends in a deed.
– Abraham Joshua Heschel
INTRO
Words matter. What we say—and how we say it—has a powerful impact on those around us. Even with the best intentions, miscommunication can happen, but being mindful and intentional with our language helps minimize it. You may be surprised by the positive, lasting effect that small, everyday phrases can have on others.
OBJECTIVES
- Assess your strengths and areas for growth in promoting psychological safety through language.
- Identify strategies to develop or improve your use of psychologically safe language.
Clear and effective communication is the foundation of strong collaboration, trust, and psychological safety—both in classrooms and among educators. In educational settings, shared mental models help align expectations, promote mutual understanding, and create a culture where both students and staff feel valued and supported. When teachers, administrators, and support staff operate with a shared understanding, they can communicate more effectively, reduce misinterpretations, and foster a more cohesive learning environment. This not only enhances student success but also strengthens staff morale and well-being. A workplace where educators feel safe to express ideas, ask questions, and share concerns without fear of judgment leads to greater collaboration, innovation, and job satisfaction. By intentionally cultivating shared mental models and using language that reinforces trust and respect, schools can create an environment where both students and staff thrive.
LEADERSHIP LANGUAGE THAT PROMOTES PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Reflect on the Leadership Language You Use
Reflect on the 12 statements that promote psychological safety.
- Which ones do you use frequently and naturally? What makes them feel easy or natural for you?
- Are there any you rarely or never use? What makes these particularly challenging for you?
Tip: Use your school’s vision as a touchstone to guide decisions and unite stakeholders around a common purpose.
Reflect on the psychological areas related to each of the 12 statements that promote psychological safety.
Based on your reflection, do you tend to:
- Primarily use statements from only 1–2 psychological areas?
- Use statements spanning 3–4 areas?
- Cover all 5 areas with your statements?
Why do you think this is?
What other statements do you use to promote psychological safety that aren’t listed?
Tip: If you’re comfortable, consider discussing with a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor. An outside perspective can be helpful—especially if you’re feeling stuck.
Practice using one of the statements you may not feel comfortable with and build from there.
By practicing sentences that promote psychological safety, we create an environment where staff and students feel valued, heard, and empowered.
Tip: It’s essential to convey these ideas genuinely. Saying the right words without sincerity can be more damaging and undermine trust more than not saying them at all.
SPEECH FILTERS FOR LEADERS
As you work toward more intentional and inclusive communication, use the infographic below as a guide and reminder that effective communication takes practice.
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