Which behavior signals psychological safety in a team?

• A. Withholding feedback
• B. Encouraging questions
• C. Dominating discussions
• D. Punishing risk-taking

Answer: (B)

Psychological safety shows up when team members feel free to speak up, ask questions, and admit uncertainties without fear of ridicule or punishment. Encouraging questions is the clearest signal of this safety because it invites input, shows that uncertainty is acceptable, and demonstrates that teammates will respond supportively. When questions are welcomed, ideas are explored more openly, misunderstandings are clarified, and learning happens faster as a group.

In contrast, withholding feedback suggests people fear how others will react to what they say; dominating discussions implies one person’s voice drowns out others, which silences input; and punishing risk-taking teaches that trying something new could lead to blame, dampening willingness to speak up or share ideas.