Every year around this time, something interesting happens in workplaces across the country. The weather improves. School is winding down. Vacation plans are finalized. Campgrounds are booked. Patios are busy. Calendars start filling with weddings, family gatherings and long weekends away. And somewhere around mid to late June, many leaders begin noticing a subtle shift in their teams. People seem a little more distracted. Conversations before meetings often revolve a

Most organizations say they want employees to speak up. They encourage “open communication.” They talk about collaboration. Leaders tell their team members their door is always open. They ask for feedback during meetings, engagement surveys and performance conversations. But psychological safety isn’t built through slogans, policies or occasional reminders to “come talk to me anytime.” It’s shaped in the everyday moments that happen after someone speaks up. In how leade