Is work supposed to be a safe space or a performance space?

That was the debate at the SHRM Executive Network Visionaries Conference when Jackson Lynch sat down with SHRM CEO Johnny Taylor.

In this episode of the Talent Sherpa Podcast, Jackson takes that conversation deeper, unpacking why leaders have confused psychological safety with comfort, and why that mistake is quietly eroding performance.

Real safety matters. Every employee deserves freedom from harassment, retaliation, and bias.

But when safety becomes shorthand for protection from discomfort, tough feedback, or accountability, organizations lose their edge. Leaders start pulling punches.

Teams lower standards. And mediocrity sneaks in under the banner of psychological safety.

This episode lays out a sharper distinction between comfort and safety, with stories from the Seattle Seahawks and the U.S. military, plus practical steps for building a culture where candor fuels performance.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Safety ≠ Comfort: True safety means fairness and candor, not freedom from accountability.

• Comfort Kills Performance: Shielding people from discomfort leads to mediocrity, not resilience.

• Clarity is Kindness: High standards plus respect is the formula for sustainable performance.

Practical Advice:

• Set Unambiguous Expectations: Define what success looks like, how it’s measured, and how performance decisions get made.

• Deliver Candid Feedback as Investment: Frame tough coaching as proof that someone belongs and is needed at their best.

• Design for Resilience: Pulse the organization, balance tough feedback with recognition, and build capacity to handle discomfort rather than protect people from it.

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And don't forget to visit www.mytalentsherpa.com where we have tools and coaching for CHROs to make an impact on day one.

00:00 - 00:54 The Tension Between Safety and Performance

00:54 - 02:27 Discussion at SHRM Executive Network Visionaries Conference

02:27 - 04:04 Examples of High-Accountability but Human First Cultures

04:04 - 05:47 Blurring the Line Between Comfort and Safety

05:47 - 08:07 Practical Steps to Build High-Performance Cultures

08:07 - 10:44 Talent Sherpa Key Takeaways