Four Stages Critique

Tom Geraghty · Models & Critique, Power

Critically examines Timothy R. Clark's Four Stages of Psychological Safety model. Argues it is useful as an introduction but wrong and potentially harmful when applied uncritically — specifically that framing Challenger Safety as a stage four achievement inverts the actual baseline. Revisited and substantially sharpened in the 2026 six-stage critique, which withdraws much of this generosity.

Neighbours (10)

• Four Stages: a Six-Stage Critique
• The OK Corral: The Grid for Get-on-With (paper)
• Why Foster PS?
• All Models are Wrong
• Goodhart's / Cobra Effect
• PS Index Critique
• Psychological Safety Books
• The PS Framework
• Déformation Prof.
• SAFETY™ Model