Psychological safety

Psychological safety is the presence of an environment in which a person can express themselves without fear of being judged or punished. Amy Edmondson of Harvard developed the concept in her research on how teams function. In such an environment a person can say that they have made a mistake, ask a question, and voice a different view; for they know these will not put them at risk. The coaching relationship itself is a small instance of this safety, but it is also a decisive concept in leadership and teamwork. In a safe space, a person can show their most vulnerable and most creative side.