book

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety

Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation

This book is the first practical, hands-on guide that shows leaders how to build a culture of psychological safety. It's your guide to creating an environment where employees feel included, fully engaged, encouraged to contribute their best efforts, and safe to speak-up and challenge the status quo.

Meet the Author

Timothy R. Clark is the founder and CEO of LeaderFactor, a global consulting, training, and assessment organization focusing on leadership, culture, and change. Dr. Clark is an international authority in psychological safety & innovation, large-scale change & transformation, and senior leadership development. He has personally worked with more than 200 executive teams around the world.

With a PhD in social science from Oxford University, Dr. Clark is the author of five books, including his best-seller, The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation. He has also written more than 200 articles in publications such as the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fast Company. His mantra to leaders is, "Lead as if you have no power."

Dr. Timothy R. Clark

"Breakthroughs in every relationship of your life”

"This is not just a book, it is an urgent invitation to the kind of rigorous self-examination that will lead to breakthroughs in every relationship of your life. Timothy Clark offers us both a case for a path to creating the kind of healthy social systems that all of us crave and that modern corporate flourishing demands."

Joseph Grenny

Co-author Crucial Conversations

Available in multiple languages.

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"Can't be Ignored"

"The 4 Stages framework is exceptionally insightful and perfectly logical. With the ongoing diversification of the workplace, Clark's defined path to inclusion and innovation can't be ignored. This book showed me how to improve my performance as both a team member and leader. The analysis and recommendations are insightful and inspiring."

Martin Shell

VP at Stanford University

A framework focused on human needs. The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety framework acknowledges that we’re humans first and employees second. The framework follows a universal pattern that reflects the natural progression of human needs in social settings.

The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety

Can I be my authentic self?

Inclusion safety satisfies the basic human need to connect and belong. In this stage worth precedes worthiness. All you have to do to qualify for inclusion safety is be human and harmless.

learner safety: second stage of the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety framework.

Can I grow?

Learner safety satisfies the basic human need to learn and grow. In this stage, fear is detached from mistakes, and mistakes are rewarded as part of the learning process. To qualify for learner safety you must engage in the learning process.

contributor: third stage of the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety framework.

contributor safety: third stage of the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety framework.

Can I create value?

Contributor safety satisfies the basic human need to make a difference and offer meaningful contributions. When we create contributor safety for others, we empower them with autonomy, guidance, and encouragement in exchange for effort and results.

challenger safety: fourth stage of the 4 Stages of Psychological Safety framework.

Can I be candid about change?

Challenger safety satisfies the basic human need to make things better. When we create challenger safety, we give air cover (protection) in exchange for candor.

"Powerful call to action"

"As a person responsible for the development of employees in 65 countries, I can tell you that this book outlines a must-have culture. A safe space is table stakes for any organization looking to attract and retain talent and innovate from every chair. A powerful call to action."

Simone Ciafardini

VP Clinique Global Education