Creating Psychological Safety 

When people feel psychologically safe, their brains shift from protection to performance.
– Dr. David Rock, neuroscientist and founder of the NeuroLeadership Institute

How to Create Psychological Safety in Under 10 Minutes a Day (And why your team’s performance depends on it)

Most leaders I work with don’t wake up thinking, “I’d like to create fear today.”

But fear creeps in, often in subtle ways. Missed eye contact. A curt reply. A fast-moving meeting that leaves no space for someone’s voice to land.

Over time, these moments don’t just wear on morale. They trigger the brain toward self-protection. That’s when innovation stalls, trust erodes, and high-performing teams begin to fracture.

The neuroscience is clear: psychological safety isn’t a bonus. It’s a biological need.

Oxytocin—the brain’s bonding chemical—only flows when people feel emotionally safe.
Cortisol—the stress hormone—spikes when people sense judgment, exclusion, or threat.

Without psychological safety, teams become reactive. With it, they become resilient.

So how do you build it—without adding another meeting?

Here’s a simple 2-minute ritual I teach to leaders:

The Win, Worry, Wonder Check-In
(Use it to open a meeting, kick off a 1:1, or build rhythm into your team culture.)

1. One Win – What’s one thing that went well recently?

2. One Worry – What’s a concern that’s been on your mind?

3. One Wonder – What’s something you’re curious about or dreaming up?

It’s not therapy. It’s brain-based leadership.

This rhythm engages the prefrontal cortex (reflection), settles the limbic system (emotion), and builds internal trust. You model vulnerability without oversharing. You create space for others without forcing it.

And over time?
You rewire the team’s culture toward curiosity vs control.

The Result?

A team where collaboration wins over competition.
One 2-minute rhythm at a time.

If this resonates with you, reach out today. We can make it happen.