How to create a Psychologically Safe Workplace - Lessons from Google’s Project Aristotle

High-performing teams aren’t built by accident - they’re shaped by trust, communication, and a shared sense of safety. For years, leaders have tried to pinpoint what makes some teams excel while others struggle. One study finally cracked the code.

When Google launched its five-year research initiative, Project Aristotle, the company analyzed over 180 teams and found something surprising; psychological safety - not talent, experience, or team composition - was the number one predictor of success.

Teams with high psychological safety:

• Brought in 50 % more revenue (in sales teams)

• Were rated 2x as effective by executives

• Had 12% increase in productivity  and 27% reduction in employee turnover

Google’s example shows that when leaders encourage open communication at work, reduce fear, and build trust between employees and managers, performance naturally rises. Rituals like structured check-ins and blameless post-mortems help employees feel heard and valued. 

In the Middle East and GCC, many leaders ask:

“Why don’t employees speak up in meetings?” or “How can I build trust with my team?” 

The answer lies in empathy. Empathetic leadership improves team harmony, reduces conflict, and drives open dialogue at work - key elements for innovation and wellbeing in multicultural teams.

When employees feel safe to share ideas or admit mistakes, they become more motivated, collaborative, and creative. 

If you’re wondering how to measure your team’s psychological safety, Cosmic Centaurs is the exclusive partner of the Fearless Organization and certified in the Fearless Organization Scan - the globally recognized tool developed by Amy Edmondson and her team.

We’re also the official Arabic partner for this assessment, helping organizations across MENA build safer, more open, and high-performing workplaces.

Learn more about the Fearless Organization Scan here.