Actually, What is Psychological Safety?

In recent years, the concept of psychological safety has become a critical part of discussions about effective leadership, collaboration, and team dynamics. When it comes to education, psychological safety can be the difference between a school culture where teachers feel empowered to grow and innovate and one where fear stifles potential. But what does psychological safety really mean in the context of schools, and how can we use it to support teachers and foster a culture of growth?

Mary Murphy, the author of Cultures of Growth (2024), offers a compelling view: 

“Psychological safety is not about avoiding criticism so people feel more comfortable, it’s about cultivating respectful candour.” 

This statement reframes psychological safety from being merely a space of comfort to a space where candid, respectful dialogue can lead to real growth. So, how can we foster this environment in schools, and why is it essential for the success of coaching practices?

What is Psychological Safety?

Psychological safety (Edmondson, 2018) refers to an environment where individuals feel safe to take interpersonal risks, like asking questions, admitting mistakes, or offering new ideas, without fear of embarrassment or punishment. In schools, this translates into a space where teachers feel supported to experiment with teaching strategies, engage in open discussions, and offer feedback without the fear of being judged or criticised.

Question: What role does Judgment play in your day-to-day? Assessment? Observations? Performance management? 

However, psychological safety doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations. It doesn’t mean protecting people from discomfort or challenges. Instead, it’s about creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect where teachers can engage in honest, constructive conversations that push them to grow.

The Role of Coaching in Psychological Safety

Coaching, particularly within the framework of The Educational Coach’s Every Conversation program, plays a vital role in building this type of environment. By integrating coaching practices in schools, we aim to create a culture where teachers are encouraged to reflect on their teaching methods, set personal and professional goals, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Coaching offers a structured way for teachers to feel both supported and challenged. Coaches provide feedback that is not just about praising or criticising, but about guiding teachers toward growth. In this context, psychological safety is crucial because it allows teachers to approach these conversations with openness and trust, knowing that they can express concerns, admit areas of uncertainty, and explore new ideas without fear of negative consequences.

Cultivating Respectful Candour

Murphy’s phrase “respectful candour” is a powerful way to think about how psychological safety can be enacted in schools. It’s not about protecting teachers from difficult feedback or criticism. Rather, it’s about ensuring that when feedback is given, it is done in a way that respects the dignity and potential of the teacher. Respectful candour fosters a balance between honesty and empathy. It allows for constructive conversations that challenge educators to reflect and improve, while also ensuring that they feel supported and valued in the process.

Practical Steps for Implementing Psychological Safety in Schools

1. Create Open Communication Channels: Encourage teachers to share their thoughts, challenges, and successes regularly. Formal and informal coaching conversations provide the space for teachers to speak candidly about their experiences.

2. Normalise Failure as a Learning Tool: Shift the mindset around mistakes. Teachers should feel that failure is not something to be feared but an opportunity to learn. Coaches can model this by being transparent about their own learning processes.

3. Foster a Culture of Feedback: Introduce regular, structured feedback sessions that emphasise growth rather than criticism. Encourage peer-to-peer feedback that is solution-focused and aimed at improvement.

4. Model Respectful Candor: Train coaches and school leaders to give feedback that is both direct and supportive. Acknowledge strengths while providing actionable suggestions for growth. When teachers feel that feedback is delivered with respect and a genuine interest in their development, they are more likely to engage with it.

5. Encourage Collaboration: Psychological safety flourishes in collaborative environments where teachers work together, share resources, and support one another’s growth. Group coaching or peer coaching models can enhance this sense of community.

Why Psychological Safety Matters for Growth? 

Psychological safety is a key ingredient in any environment that aims to cultivate growth. In schools, where teachers are constantly adapting to new challenges, new technologies, and new pedagogical strategies, psychological safety ensures that they feel empowered to take risks, try new things, and continue learning. With it, teachers may be willing to experiment or to seek the feedback they need to improve. By fostering psychological safety, we create an environment where teachers can thrive, ultimately benefiting their students and the broader school community.

What does it look like? 

In a school that prioritises psychological safety, certain behaviours stand out as markers of this supportive environment. Teachers openly ask questions during staff meetings without fear of judgment, share their classroom challenges with peers, and seek feedback from colleagues to improve their practice. Coaches and leaders model vulnerability by admitting their own mistakes, showing that it's okay to not have all the answers. Conversations are characterised by active listening, where feedback is delivered constructively and with empathy. Disagreements are handled with respect, focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame. In these spaces, collaboration thrives, with teachers feeling confident to share innovative ideas, take risks, and reflect on their growth, knowing they are in a non-judgmental, growth-oriented environment.

After all, Leadership starts with Listening. 

Conclusion 

At The Educational Coach, we believe that embedding a coaching culture in schools is essential for building environments where teachers feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow. By focusing on psychological safety and cultivating respectful candour, we can transform schools into thriving communities of learners, where everyone is continuously evolving and improving.

References

Edmondson, A. C. (2018). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth.

Murphy, M. C. (2024). Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams and Organisations. Simon and Schuster.