Teams where it is safe to speak

Amy Edmondson, a Harvard professor, calls it psychological safety: a shared belief in a team that you will not be punished or embarrassed for asking questions, admitting mistakes or raising concerns. Google's Project Aristotle research on its own teams found it was the most important factor in team effectiveness.

Some teams have it and some do not, and newcomers often cannot tell at first. Test it gently: ask a small question, admit a small mistake, and watch the reaction. If your team punishes people for speaking up, that is a team problem, not a personal failing.