Psychological Safety in Sports: How to Build Trust and Win

Picture this: a young athlete, standing at the 7M line, the crowd silent, teammates watching, coach holding their breath. The player shoots – and misses. The reaction of the coach and teammates in that moment determines more than just confidence – it shapes the psychological safety of the entire team. If the player is met with harsh criticism, rolled eyes, or silence, a powerful message is sent: mistakes are dangerous (and not welcome). But if they are met with encouragement and curiosity about what can be learned, the message becomes: here is safe to try. And that is exactly what psychological safety in sports means.

Psychological safety in sports is the foundation upon which resilience, creativity, and high performance are built. In today’s athletic environments, athletes face tremendous pressure not only to win but to perform under public scrutiny. When psychological safety is prioritized, athletes are more likely to speak up about injuries, burnout, mental health struggles, or even team dynamics that feel off. This directly influences their longevity, performance, and well-being.

With rising awareness of mental health issues in sports and more athletes bravely sharing their struggles, it’s clear –  building psychologically safe environments is no longer optional. It is essential to sustainable success!

Key Takeaways

• Psychological safety in sports is essential for both performance and well-being.
  When athletes feel safe to be themselves, take risks, and make mistakes without fear of punishment, they learn faster, perform better, and are more resilient both mentally and physically.

• Coaches are the primary architects of psychological safety.
  Through everyday behaviors like admitting their own mistakes, asking for athlete input, and responding calmly to errors, coaches set the tone for a culture of trust and open communication.

• Building psychological safety is a continuous process, not a one-time event.
  It requires daily rituals – such as team check-ins, mistake celebrations, and leadership circles – to embed safety deeply into the team’s culture.

• Measuring psychological safety helps sustain and improve it.
  Tools like anonymous surveys, observation logs, and regular team debriefs allow coaches to track how safe athletes feel and address gaps proactively.

• Safe teams ultimately win more – and grow stronger together.
  Teams that foster psychological safety are more innovative, cohesive, and resilient under pressure. They retain players longer and create environments where athletes thrive both on and off the field.

What Is Culture in Sports?

In sports, culture is the invisible current that shapes how a team thinks, feels, communicates, and behaves – both in the spotlight and behind closed doors.

It’s not something you can always see directly, yet it touches everything:
How players support each other, how conflicts are resolved, how leaders behave when no one is watching.

Culture is the unspoken agreement about what’s acceptable, what’s rewarded, and what’s feared within a team.

Opposite to what some may think, culture isn’t built only through inspirational speeches or slogans taped to a locker room wall. 😀
It lives in the everyday moments:

• How teammates treat and support (or not) each other during tough drills and practices

• How coaches respond when mistakes happen

• How success is celebrated – or who gets the credit

• How setbacks are talked about after a tough loss

Culture is revealed when things go wrong just as much as when they go right!

Every team has a culture – whether it’s built with care and intention, or whether it’s left to form unconsciously through habits, personalities, and pressures.
If it isn’t guided deliberately, culture can drift into harmful patterns that diminish trust, create fear, and limit the team’s true potential.

In sports, culture is not a side factor. It’s the operating system that determines how well every other piece – training, strategy, talent – can actually perform.

The Link Between Culture and Psychological Safety

If team culture is the invisible current that drives behavior, then psychological safety is the depth and clarity of that current.
It is the essential foundation that supports a healthy, high-performing sports environment.

Psychological safety means creating a space where athletes feel confident that they can:

• Speak up without fear of embarrassment or punishment
  Whether it’s offering feedback, suggesting a different tactic, or admitting uncertainty, athletes know their voice will be respected, not ridiculed.

• Admit mistakes without being shamed
  Mistakes are treated as opportunities for growth, not as reasons for judgment or exclusion.

• Offer ideas without being dismissed
  Innovation thrives when athletes at every level, not just captains or veterans, are encouraged to contribute their perspectives.

• Be their full, authentic selves without fear
  Athletes can show up not just as competitors, but as complete human beings – with their challenges, vulnerabilities, and evolving identities welcomed, not hidden.

When psychological safety is absent, even the most talented players hesitate.
They second-guess themselves, hide struggles, stay silent when they have valuable insights, or become overly cautious in performance moments. Fear suppresses initiative, drains confidence, and takes away trust over time.

When psychological safety is present, everything changes:
Athletes recover faster from mistakes, take bold creative risks, engage more fully with teammates, and challenge themselves to grow beyond previous limits.
The team becomes more resilient, more adaptable, and ultimately, more united – not just when things are going well, but especially when facing adversity.

In short: Psychological safety isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in sports culture – it’s the key ingredient that makes every other piece – training, talent, and teamwork – work to its full potential.

When coaches and leaders prioritize psychological safety, they aren’t lowering standards – they’re laying the groundwork for the highest standards to be achievable in a sustainable, human-centered way.

A great visual metaphor to understand this concept would be:

Culture in the Team = The soil 🌱
Psychological Safety = The water 💧
Talent, skill, and strategy = The seeds 🌾

As we all know – without water, even the best seeds in the richest soil cannot grow.

Defining Psychological Safety in Sports – From Boardrooms to Locker Rooms

The term “psychological safety” was coined by Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson and refers to a shared belief that a team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. Initially explored in corporate teams and work environments, this concept has proven equally vital – if not more so- in the world of sports.

In sports, psychological safety means that players are free to express themselves without fear of embarrassment, punishment, or exclusion. It creates a dynamic where athletes can:

• Make mistakes without being shamed – Mistakes are treated as natural steps in growth, not as personal failures.

• Offer suggestions and feedback – Athletes contribute insights that can refine tactics, improve strategy, and strengthen the team.

• Ask questions or seek help – Curiosity and vulnerability are encouraged rather than penalized.

• Disagree with authority in a respectful way – Challenging ideas respectfully is seen as a contribution to the team’s success, not as defiance.

• Be their authentic selves – Players are valued for who they are – not just what they can do – creating space for deeper connection and loyalty.

A psychologically safe sports environment fosters mutual respect, open dialogue, and collaboration between athletes, coaches, and staff. It ensures that players feel seen, heard, and supported, which in turn unlocks higher levels of trust, creativity, resilience, and peak performance.

Instead of viewing athletes as “performance machines” built solely for results, psychological safety nurtures them as whole human beings – embracing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and potential. Teams that cultivate this type of environment don’t just perform better, they develop leaders, foster loyalty, and build team cultures that can withstand adversity and change.

Psychological safety bridges the gap between effort and excellence. It creates a culture where effort, learning, connection, and growth are valued just as much as outcomes – a culture where winning becomes the natural byproduct of thriving individuals and strong relationships.

The History of Psychological Safety

The roots of psychological safety stretch deep into the history of human interaction, even though the term itself is relatively new. Across generations, scholars and social scientists have pointed toward the same fundamental truth: people thrive when they feel safe to express themselves freely and authentically.

Here are some of the most important key milestones in the historical development of the concept of psychological safety:

1844: Søren Kierkegaard – The Danish philosopher discussed creativity as both a generative and destructive force – one that inevitably brings anxiety. His work hinted at the emotional vulnerability involved in creation and innovation.

1942: Joseph Schumpeter – The economist introduced the idea of “creative destruction,” explaining how innovation constantly disrupts the status quo, requiring environments that support risk and adaptation.

1943: Abraham Maslow – In his hierarchy of needs, Maslow identified “belongingness needs” as a crucial human driver – emerging only after physiological and safety needs are met. This underscored the importance of interpersonal acceptance for motivation and well-being.

1947: Herbert Simon – Simon emphasized that organizations function best with “attitudes of friendliness and cooperation,” linking psychological safety to effective organizational behavior.

1960: Douglas McGregor – In his Theory X and Theory Y framework, McGregor introduced the idea of non-physical “security needs,” paving the way for deeper discussions on the emotional conditions needed for effective work.

1965: Edgar H. Schein and Warren G. Bennis – Schein and Bennis officially coined the term “psychological safety” in their book Personal and Organizational Change Through Group Methods. They defined it as a climate “which encourages provisional tries and which tolerates failure without retaliation, renunciation, or guilt.”

1990: William Kahn – Kahn’s groundbreaking paper Psychological Conditions of Personal Engagement and Disengagement at Work revived attention to psychological safety, emphasizing that people engage fully at work only when they feel secure enough to be their true selves.

1999: Amy Edmondson – Edmondson, a Harvard Business School professor, expanded the understanding of psychological safety. She defined it as “a shared belief held by members of a team that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.” Her research shifted the focus from individual experiences to shared team environments.

2014: Google’s Project Aristotle – Google’s extensive internal study of 180 teams revealed that psychological safety was the defining factor distinguishing high-performing teams. Their findings propelled psychological safety into mainstream organizational thinking.

2020: Timothy R. Clark – Clark introduced the “Four Stages of Psychological Safety” model in his book The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation. He outlined a universal progression: inclusion safety, learner safety, contributor safety, and challenger safety. Clark emphasized that psychological safety must be nurtured deliberately, rewarding vulnerability at every stage.

The Performance and Well-Being Payoff

Why should coaches and sports organizations prioritize psychological safety? Because it delivers measurable benefits on and off the field, directly impacting both individual athletes and the collective performance of the team.

1. Improved Learning and Development

When athletes feel safe, they are more willing to ask questions, admit what they don’t understand, and explore new techniques. They treat practice not as a test they must pass, but as a space for exploration where they can experiment and grow. Curiosity thrives, feedback is welcomed, and skills evolve faster because mistakes are embraced as part of the learning process, not punished.

2. Greater Resilience and Mental Strength

In psychologically safe environments, athletes are allowed to fail without the accompanying shame or fear of judgment. Instead of internalizing mistakes as personal flaws, players learn to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. This builds deep mental resilience – the ability to recover quickly from disappointments and maintain self-belief under pressure – which is crucial for sustained high performance.

3. Improved Team Communication

Honest, open communication is the lifeblood of successful teams! Psychological safety encourages players to give and receive feedback, express concerns, and collaborate without fear of retribution or ridicule. Misunderstandings are addressed early. Conflict, when it arises, is managed constructively. The overall coordination, trust, and unity within the team strengthen dramatically.

4. Injury Prevention and Recovery

Athletes often hesitate to report discomfort, pain, or fatigue if they fear being seen as weak or risking their position on the team. In a psychologically safe environment, players are encouraged to speak up early about physical concerns. This allows for timely intervention, reduces the risk of worsening injuries, and promotes healthier, longer athletic careers. Players understand that protecting their bodies is valued and respected, not punished.

5. Stronger Retention and Commitment

Athletes are far more likely to stay committed to a program where they feel respected, heard, and supported. When psychological safety is high, players experience a sense of belonging and loyalty. They invest more emotionally and physically in the team’s success because they know their well-being matters as much as their performance. This also boosts team stability and reduces expensive turnover.

These outcomes highlight the value of psychological safety as a critical performance enhancer – not a soft add-on, not a “luxury”, and definitely not a sign of weakness. It is one of the strongest competitive advantages a team can build!

The Four Stages of Psychological Safety – Sport Edition

Timothy R. Clark’s Four Stages of Psychological Safety translate powerfully into athletic environments, helping coaches and athletes understand how trust evolves within a team. Each stage builds upon the previous one, laying a foundation for learning, ownership, and innovation.

Stage 1: Inclusion Safety

Inclusion safety is the feeling that “I belong here.” Athletes feel accepted and valued for who they are – not just for their performance, but for their whole identity. Regardless of skill level, nationality, background, or personal beliefs, everyone (from the superstar to to those sitting on the bench) feels like an important part of the team and knows that they BELONG. When inclusion safety is high, athletes bring more of their full selves to practice, and connection across the team deepens.

Stage 2: Learner Safety

Learner safety allows athletes to ask questions, experiment, make mistakes, receive feedback without fear of embarrassment, and take risks without fear of ridicule. In this stage, practice is framed as a “test lab” – a place where trying new things and learning through failure is celebrated. Mistakes are encouraged, and normalized as part of learning. Coaches encourage “why” questions, and curiosity becomes a valued part of the training environment. This is where real skill development and growth mindsets flourish.

Stage 3: Contributor Safety

Contributor safety is the freedom to contribute actively to the team’s mission with ideas and play an active role in training and strategy. Athletes are trusted with responsibilities – running parts of drills, suggesting plays, offering observations during reviews – because their voices matter. They don’t just execute instructions, they help shape the team’s success. When contributor safety is high, athletes are more invested, more motivated, and more creative in problem-solving.

Stage 4: Challenger Safety

Challenger safety empowers athletes to challenge existing norms, strategies, or decisions without fear of retribution or ridicule. Team members are safe to question coaching decisions or team norms in a respectful way. Constructive disagreement is welcomed as an initiation of growth. Even junior players feel safe respectfully questioning tactics or suggesting improvements. This stage is where innovation thrives. Teams that reach challenger safety become more adaptable, more resilient, and better prepared for unexpected challenges.

Pro Tip: Audit your team culture: Which stage are you truly in? Invite anonymous feedback from athletes. You might find that while you think you’re offering contributor safety, players still feel stuck in learner safety – afraid to truly step up or speak out.

Developing through all four stages isn’t just ideal – it’s essential for building high-trust, high-performing sports teams that can grow, adapt, and win together!

Progressing through these stages deepens trust and unlocks the full potential of a team!

Why Players Often Stay Silent – A Personal Reflection

Through coaching across 30+ countries on 3 continents, I’ve experienced firsthand how culture, tradition, and hidden fears shape whether athletes feel safe to speak up or not. Despite different languages and backgrounds, the same pattern appears pretty often: players staying quiet when it matters most.

Several reasons contribute to this silence:

• Fear of Being Judged or Misunderstood: Players often hesitate to answer questions or voice opinions, worrying they might be perceived as disrespectful, complaining, or weak.
• Authority Culture: In many sports, especially handball, coaches are viewed as untouchable authority figures. Questioning them – even respectfully – can be seen as disobedience, creating deep internal pressure to stay silent.
• Fear of Team Judgment: Speaking up risks standing out. Many athletes fear judgment not just from coaches, but from teammates who might see them as trying to “act superior” or “rock the boat.”
• Taboos Around Physical Health: In female handball, it is often considered inappropriate or “complaining” for players to mention menstrual cramps or hormonal changes affecting performance. Even when pain is significant, athletes are expected to push through silently and to perform equally well as in the other parts of their menstrual cycle.
• Mental Health Stigma: Athletes struggling with anxiety, depression, or burnout frequently stay quiet, afraid their struggles will be dismissed, minimized, or held against them.
• Cultural Norms Around Endurance: In many countries, enduring suffering without complaint is celebrated. Speaking up about discomfort, fatigue, or emotional stress is wrongly interpreted as weakness.
• Previous Negative Experiences: Players who have previously been punished, ridiculed, or ignored after speaking up carry those scars forward, choosing silence as a form of self-protection.

Understanding these invisible barriers is very important for coaches. Even the most well-meaning invitation to “share openly” won’t work if athletes still feel unseen risks in doing so. I have seen and witnessed this pattern time and time again.

Creating true psychological safety in a team means actively working to take apart these silent fears, one supportive response, and one brave conversation at a time.

Common Myths and Barriers (and How to Break Them)

Despite the growing awareness of psychological safety in sports, several myths and misunderstandings still block its full implementation. Let’s break down these misconceptions and reframe them through a more accurate, empowering lens (if possible 😉 ):

Myth 1: “Safety Makes Athletes Soft.”
Reality: High psychological safety in sports actually raises accountability, not self-admiration. When athletes feel safe, they are more willing to challenge themselves, take bold risks, and stretch beyond their comfort zones. Comfort doesn’t mean lowering standards – it means creating a foundation where players can give their maximum effort without fear of humiliation. True toughness is built in environments where vulnerability is respected and effort is honored.

Myth 2: “It’s Only for Youth or Amateur Levels.”
Reality: Psychological safety is equally critical – if not even more – at the elite level. Olympic committees and professional leagues increasingly emphasize mental fitness alongside physical preparation. For instance, Paris 2024 initiatives included programs that prioritize athlete mental health and psychological well-being. High-pressure environments require even stronger foundations of trust, communication, and emotional resilience.

Myth 3: “One Workshop Fixes Culture.”
Reality: Psychological safety is not a checkbox, it’s a daily, ongoing commitment! Culture change happens through consistent reinforcement – through everyday conversations, feedback exchanges, reactions to mistakes, and leadership modeling. A single training session or workshop can plant the seed, but true tea, cultural transformation requires “watering” it with ongoing actions over months and seasons!

Myth 4: “Silence Equals Harmony.”
Reality: Silence is often a sign of fear, not agreement. When athletes feel psychologically unsafe, they are more likely to withdraw, suppress concerns, or “go along to get along.” True harmony emerges through open, respectful disagreement – through players feeling safe enough to express divergent opinions, challenge assumptions, and engage in healthy debates that strengthen the team’s strategy and cohesion.

Breaking down these myths is very important because they create invisible ceilings that limit what teams can achieve. By shifting the mindset around psychological safety, coaches can unlock higher levels of connection, courage, and collective excellence.

Now that we’ve cleared up the misconceptions, let’s explore how psychological safety can not only survive but actually thrive in even the most high-stakes, competitive sports environments.

Fostering Psychological Safety in Elite Sports – Why It’s Not Only Possible, But Essential

At first glance, psychological safety in elite, high-stakes sports may seem like an impossible dream. The intense pressure to perform, the fear of failure, and the fierce competition could easily suggest that vulnerability and open communication have no place.
But the truth is the opposite: the higher the stakes, the more essential psychological safety becomes. It is not a contradiction to excellence – it is a prerequisite for sustaining it!

Fostering psychological safety even at the highest levels of competition is entirely achievable when some of its key pillars are in place:

Lead by Example – The Power of Vulnerable Leadership

Psychological safety begins with the behaviors of those at the top. Coaches, captains, and senior staff have immense influence over team dynamics. When they consistently model vulnerability – by admitting mistakes, showing emotional honesty, and inviting feedback—they give everyone else silent permission to do the same.

Leadership that embraces openness rather than perfection fosters trust and long-term commitment. When elite athletes see that their leaders are human and fallible, they don’t interpret vulnerability as weakness. They interpret it as strength.

Define the Ground Rules: Values That Guide Performance and Behavior

Elite athletes crave clarity. But clarity must go beyond tactics and physical expectations – it must extend to team values and behavioral norms.

When teams define how they will treat each other, how they give and receive feedback, and what kind of effort and mindset is expected, they reduce uncertainty and increase consistency. Values like respect, honesty, resilience, and compassion become guiding principles that make psychological safety more than just an abstract concept.

Shared values also give athletes a shared language for accountability and support, especially during moments of pressure.

Build Communication into the Routine

You can’t expect athletes to speak up if there’s no rhythm or structure that makes it feel normal.

Psychological safety grows when open dialogue is embedded in daily practice – not left to chance. Simple rituals like post-training debriefs, regular one-on-one check-ins, anonymous feedback tools, or even weekly team “pulse” check-ins offer predictable outlets for honesty.

When communication is structured and normalized, it becomes easier, safer, and more culturally accepted to speak up – even in high-stakes environments.

Reframe Mistakes as Fuel for Growth

Elite teams don’t avoid mistakes – they mine them for insight. In psychologically safe teams, mistakes are not causes for blame, but invitations to learn.

When coaches and captains respond to mistakes with curiosity rather than criticism – asking questions like, “What did you notice?” or “What might we try differently next time?” – they model a growth mindset that ripples across the team.

Athletes who are seen as learners stay adaptive, humble, and mentally strong – even when under intense pressure to perform.

Create Layers of Support Within the Team

Even the most elite athletes can’t carry the emotional burden of sport alone. Teams need internal and external support structures that help distribute care and guidance.

Internally, “buddy systems”, mentorship programs, and peer feedback loops create a culture of mutual responsibility. Externally, access to mental health professionals, sport psychologists, and leadership coaches reinforces the idea that no one is expected to “tough it out” in silence.

Athletes who feel supported as people – not just performers – are more likely to take risks, recover from setbacks, and stay committed to the team.

Train the Mind Like You Train the Body

Psychological safety is not just an emotional construct – it’s a skillset that can be trained.

Elite teams that prioritize mental skills training – including mindfulness, emotional regulation, self-talk, and stress recovery – give their athletes the tools to navigate the highs and lows of competitive life. These tools don’t just boost individual performance – they help create environments where openness, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence are normalized.

A psychologically safe team isn’t afraid of pressure. They’re equipped to meet it – together.

Psychological safety is not a luxury reserved for “softer” environments. In elite sports, it’s a competitive advantage. The teams that foster it intentionally are the teams that adapt, innovate, endure pressure – and ultimately win.

Coach Behaviors That Signal “You’re Safe Here”

Building psychological safety starts with the behaviors that athletes observe every day. Coaches set the emotional tone for their teams – often without realizing it. Here are key behaviors that signal to athletes: “You are safe here.”

Show It’s Okay to Make Mistakes – Admit Your Own Coaching Mistakes First

When coaches acknowledge their own mistakes – whether it’s a misjudgment in a drill or a communication slip – they show athletes that mistakes are a natural part of learning and leadership. This vulnerability invites players to be honest about their own challenges, creating a feedback loop of openness and growth.

Ask Genuine Questions – “What Am I Missing?” Opens Dialogue

Instead of simply delivering instructions, great coaches invite athlete perspectives with sincere curiosity. Asking “What are you seeing?” or “What would you try differently?” encourages collaborative problem-solving and signals that athletes’ observations are valued, not dismissed.

Respond, Don’t React – Separate the Person from the Behavior

When a mistake happens – a missed shot, a bad defending position – coaches who pause, gather themselves, and respond calmly model emotional regulation. They address the behavior constructively without attacking the athlete’s character. This separation helps athletes feel safe to stay engaged even when they fall short.

Use Mistake Reframes – “Good Miss – What Did We Learn?”

Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities is a game-changer. Instead of criticizing, coaches can highlight the courage to attempt, the technique that almost worked, or the insight gained. “Good miss – what did we learn?” keeps athletes in a growth mindset instead of a shame spiral.

Share Decision-Making – Rotate Training-Plan Ownership

Empowering athletes to occasionally lead drills, suggest strategies, or design warm-ups shows trust and respect. Sharing ownership not only boosts motivation but also teaches leadership and critical thinking – essential traits for resilient, high-performing teams.

Publicly Praise Risk-Taking – Celebrate the Attempt, Not Just the Outcome

Athletes who dare to try new moves, suggest a play adjustment, or challenge themselves physically should be recognized – even when the attempt doesn’t succeed. Celebrating courage and initiative (not just “success”) tells the entire team that pushing limits is welcomed and respected.

The Birkman Institute highlights that these behaviors differentiate “great coaches” who consistently nurture psychological safety in sports. They create teams where athletes dare to stretch, innovate, and ultimately outperform their competition – because they know their worth is never on the line with every mistake.

Team Rituals and Structures That Anchor Safety

Psychological safety is not built by chance – it’s built by design. The rituals and structures you put in place as a coach reinforce daily what kind of environment your team will operate in. These are the small, consistent actions that transform words like “trust” and “respect” into real, lived experiences.

Season-Opening Charter – Co-Create Norms on How the Team Gives Feedback

At the start of the season, involve the entire team in drafting a “Team Charter”. Together, define how feedback should be given and received. Set expectations for communication, effort, and behavior. When players help co-create these standards, they take greater ownership and feel more invested in upholding them.

Post-Practice Debriefs – Two-Question Format: What Went Well? / What Confused Us?

After practices, gather for quick team reflections. Keep it simple: “What went well today?” and “What confused us or felt unclear?” This ritual normalizes discussing mistakes and areas for improvement without blame. It also teaches athletes that every practice – no matter how successful – offers learning opportunities.

Mistake-of-the-Week Spotlight – Player Volunteers a Mistake and Lesson

Designate a “Mistake of the Week” spotlight where a player voluntarily shares a mistake they made and what they learned from it. This fun, courageous ritual removes the stigma around mistakes and models that vulnerability and learning are valued more than perfection.

Buddy Systems – Pair Rookies with “Older” Players for Faster Belonging

Assign veteran players to mentor newcomers for the first 4-6 weeks. They should check in regularly, offer guidance, and help young players navigate team norms. This speeds up the inclusion process and fosters deeper empathy and connection across the team.

Anonymous Pulse Surveys – Monthly 5-Item Check on Psychological Safety

Each month, use a brief anonymous survey (such as a psychological safety scale for example) to ask players how safe they feel to speak up, take risks, ask for help, and express themselves. This offers real-time feedback and helps identify issues early before they grow into bigger problems.

Key Insight: Rituals must be predictable and authentic. They should be led not just by coaches but also by senior athletes to avoid feeling performative. When rituals are owned by the whole team, they become part of the team’s heartbeat – living proof that psychological safety is not just talked about, but actually practiced.

If you, your team, or your organization would like support in strengthening psychological safety, designing impactful team rituals, or creating a culture where athletes can truly thrive, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy and honored to support you on that journey! 🙂

Responding to Mistakes – Turning Setbacks into Growth

In a psychologically safe team, mistakes aren’t feared or hidden – they’re seen as opportunities for growth. How a coach responds to mistakes sets the emotional tone for the entire team. When mistakes are treated with curiosity instead of judgment, athletes stay engaged, resilient, and ready to improve.

Here’s a simple but powerful four-step framework that transforms mistakes into fuel for learning:

1. Coach Reframes Mistake as Data – instead of treating mistakes as failures, the coach frames them as neutral information. Language like “Let’s look at what this mistake can teach us” shifts the focus from personal blame to collective learning. Athletes start to view mistakes as valuable feedback rather than threats to their self-worth.

2. Athlete Reflects: What Was in My Control? – Encourage the athlete to reflect on the situation: “What part of that was in my control?” This teaches accountability without shame. It helps players distinguish between factors they can influence and those they can’t, building realistic self-awareness and empowering future adjustments.

3. Peer Feedback: Team Shares Quick Insights – normalize brief, supportive peer feedback after mistakes. For example, teammates might say, “I noticed your timing was almost perfect – maybe a split-second sooner next time.” This cultivates a culture where players help each other learn, rather than silently judging or isolating someone who makes mistakes.

4. Action Plan: Micro-Adjustment Set for Next Drill – immediately co-create a small, actionable adjustment to apply in the next repetition or drill. This keeps momentum forward-focused. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, the athlete leaves the moment with a clear next step: “This time, I’ll start my movement half a second earlier.”

When this four-step loop is practiced consistently, it rewires the team’s relationship with mistakes. Fear of failure decreases, and a true growth mindset takes root – reinforcing psychological safety in sports with every repetition, every play, and every practice.

Athletes learn that mistakes don’t define them – their willingness to learn and adapt does.

Why It’s So Hard to Tolerate Mistakes – A Trauma-Informed Perspective

Because of my deep interest and training in trauma-informed coaching, I believe it’s important to offer another lens for understanding why so many coaches and leaders struggle to allow or to tolerate mistakes – especially in high-pressure environments like sports or corporate leadership.

On the surface, it might seem puzzling why so many leaders, coaches, and athletes react harshly to mistakes, and why do they get so “stuck”. But often, this isn’t about logic – it’s about emotion, history, and unconscious conditioning. The answer often lies deeper than strategy, discipline, or standards – it lives in unconscious patterns rooted in early emotional experiences.

Childhood Wounds and the Fear of Mistakes

Many adults (leaders, coaches, and athletes included) carry invisible wounds from childhood experiences where making mistakes was unsafe and not supported or allowed.

If, as children, we were:

• Met with harsh criticism (“You should have known better!”)

• Punished with shame (“You embarrassed the family!”)

• Ignored when vulnerable efforts failed and when we needed reassurance (emotional neglect)

• Seen as proof of being unworthy or bad

• Loved only when we were achieving or “good”

Then our nervous systems learned that mistakes equal danger, and that mistakes were threats, not opportunities.

We started to associate mistakes with humiliation, rejection, or emotional abandonment. These early emotional experiences live on, often unconsciously in our minds, and resurface in leadership and performance contexts later in life.

In these environments, love, approval, or safety were often conditional on performance – being “good enough” meant being flawless. This wiring doesn’t disappear with age. Instead, it hides in the unconscious parts of ourselves still trying to avoid the pain of past rejection.

When people who’ve experienced this in their childhood become leaders, coaches, or top-level athletes, they may unconsciously:

• Fear that mistakes reflect their worth or competence

• Overreact to mistakes as personal threats to identity or status

• Shame or withdraw from others who fail – repeating what happened to them when they were kids

• Prioritize control over curiosity, criticism over collaboration

In this way, environments that punish mistakes are often re-creations of early emotional patterns from childhood, not deliberate leadership strategies.

Psychological Safety as a Tool for Healing

When we (as coaches and leaders) create psychologically safe environments, we do more than optimize performance – we start to heal these old inner wounds:

• We teach that making a mistake does not mean losing belonging!

• We show that making a mistake does not mean we are not worthy, or that we are not good enough.

• We show that vulnerability leads to deeper Connection, not abandonment.

• We normalize failure as part of growth – not as a judgement on worth.

In my humble opinion, in sports teams and leadership cultures, embracing a trauma-informed lens is quite revolutionary and necessary!
It reframes mistakes not as failures to be feared, but as opportunities to break the deep-rooted cycles of fear, shame, and isolation passed down through generations.

Psychological safety is not just a high-performance strategy. In a way, it’s a form of collective emotional healing – and a path to authentic expression.

Some of the Key Childhood Patterns That Lead to Low Mistake Tolerance Later:

Here a few examples for how early childhood experiences and patterns lead to low mistake tolerance and leadership challenges later in adult life:

If you’re a coach or leader who finds this resonates, know that you’re not alone – and that support is available. My work combines trauma-informed coaching with leadership development, and I help teams, athletes, and executives uncover and shift the deeper patterns that get in the way of psychological safety. Whether you’re looking to improve team culture, explore your own leadership patterns, or learn how to create safer spaces for those you lead, feel free to reach out. I would love to help and support you on that journey.

Case Studies – Cautionary Tales and Success Stories

Real-life examples are some of the most powerful tools for understanding the impact of psychological safety. They show us what happens when it is absent – and what becomes possible when it is prioritized.

England Rugby (2016–2019)

During this period, players within the England Rugby system began voicing concerns about a toxic culture marked by belittling, emotional abuse, and fear-driven coaching methods. Athletes reported feeling unable to speak openly, question decisions, or share personal challenges. The pressure to perform was immense, but the psychological climate left little room for vulnerability or honest dialogue.

Eventually, reports emerged publicly, drawing sharp criticism of the program’s internal culture. Morale dipped, player trust eroded, and performance inconsistencies became evident. This became a cautionary tale of how fear-based leadership can produce short-term compliance but long-term damage.

Lesson: High pressure without psychological safety leads to burnout, emotional withdrawal, and underperformance. Talent alone cannot thrive in a climate of fear.

Golden State Warriors (NBA)

Under Coach Steve Kerr’s leadership, the Golden State Warriors have built a reputation not just for winning, but for the inclusive, adaptive culture behind their success. Kerr is known for encouraging player input, running team discussions democratically, and even allowing players to lead timeouts. His coaching philosophy embraces open dialogue, humility, and shared leadership.

Players frequently report feeling heard, trusted, and empowered. As a result, the Warriors consistently demonstrate on-court creativity, resilience, and cohesion, even under pressure. Their ability to adapt and innovate is a direct byproduct of the psychological safety Kerr has helped cultivate.

Lesson: When empowerment is blended with clarity of roles and mutual respect, psychological safety becomes a competitive advantage – fueling adaptability, loyalty, and high performance at the championship level.

Cambridge Women’s Rowing Team (2024 Boat Race)

In 2024, the Cambridge women’s rowing team achieved a remarkable victory in the Boat Race by embracing a culture centered on care and psychological safety. Under coach Paddy Ryan, the team prioritized mutual support, open communication, and the freedom to make mistakes without fear of punishment. This nurturing environment fostered resilience and confidence, enabling the team to perform at their best under pressure. Their success challenges traditional notions that high performance requires a ruthless, high-pressure culture.​

Lesson: A supportive and psychologically safe environment can enhance team performance, even in high-stakes competitions.​

Denmark Men’s National Football Team (Euro 2020)

On June 12, 2021, when Christian Eriksen collapsed on the field during a European Championship match against Finland, his teammates’ immediate response revealed more than just professionalism – it revealed the deep strength of their team culture and psychological safety.

Rather than panic or distance themselves, the Danish players instinctively formed a tight circle around Eriksen, locking arms, shielding him from public view while medical teams worked to save his life.
This action was not rehearsed. It wasn’t instructed by leadership. It was an intuitive act of protection, solidarity, and human dignity – the product of a team culture rooted in trust, emotional closeness, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another.

This moment powerfully illustrates psychological safety in action:

• Trust – Teammates trusted each other enough to unite and act decisively without fear of judgment.

• Empathy – Emotional openness and mutual care were prioritized over traditional sports stoicism.

• Protection of Vulnerability – Eriksen, at his most vulnerable, was shielded, not exposed.

This was a clear demonstration that the team environment allowed for human fragility, emotional expression, and collective care – the very conditions psychological safety seeks to create.

True psychological safety is not just about speaking up – it’s about knowing your teammates will stand with you when you are at your most human.

This incident stands as a profound reminder: teams don’t rise to the occasion – they fall back on the strength of the culture they have built every day!

Lesson: Psychological safety is crucial for teams to navigate crises effectively, fostering resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee (Tokyo 2020 Olympics)

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from several events to prioritize her mental health, a decision supported by her team and coaches. This act of openness and the team’s supportive response created a psychologically safe environment that empowered teammate Sunisa Lee to step up and win the all-around gold medal. The team’s culture of trust and support was instrumental in their collective success.

Lesson: A team culture that prioritizes psychological safety and mental well-being can empower athletes to perform at their best, even amid unexpected challenges.

NCAA Division I Women’s Teams (Qualitative Study)

A study (“Female Collegiate Athletes’ Perceptions of Psychological Safety in Team Environments “) involving female athletes from NCAA Division I teams revealed that a lack of psychological safety led to suppressed communication, fear of speaking up, and diminished team cohesion. Factors contributing to this included inconsistent coaching behavior, lack of support, and an overemphasis on performance outcomes. The study highlighted the importance of consistent, supportive coaching practices in fostering psychological safety.

Lesson: Inconsistent and unsupportive coaching practices can erode psychological safety, negatively impacting athlete well-being and team performance.

Rugby Canada (High-Performance Program)

Rugby Canada undertook an initiative to assess and improve psychological safety within its high-performance programs. By gathering insights from athletes about their experiences and the factors affecting their sense of safety, the organization aimed to foster a more supportive environment. This proactive approach underscored the importance of athlete feedback in creating a culture of psychological safety. ​

Lesson: Actively seeking and incorporating athlete feedback is essential in building and maintaining psychological safety within sports organizations.

These case studies demonstrate that psychological safety is a critical component of successful, resilient, and high-performing sports teams. By fostering environments where athletes feel supported and empowered to speak up, teams can enhance performance and well-being.

Conclusion: Where High Performance Meets Humanity

Psychological safety is not about lowering expectations or avoiding discomfort. It’s about creating the kind of environment where individuals can rise to their highest potential because they know they won’t be punished for being human. In the world of sports – where failure, risk, and public pressure are part of daily life – this kind of safety isn’t optional. It’s foundational.

Whether you’re leading a team of athletes, executives, or creatives, remember: performance doesn’t happen in spite of safety. It happens because of it. The most successful teams – those that endure, evolve, and win – are built on a culture of trust, open dialogue, and deep respect.

Psychological safety is not just a concept. It’s a commitment. It’s a practice. And it’s a powerful invitation – to yourself, and to those you lead – to show up fully, courageously, and without fear!

If you’re ready to lead that kind of team, you’re already on the right path!

Please contact me if you want to bring this work into your own team, culture, or leadership.

References

• Championing mental health: IOC’s blueprint for major sports events
• How Great Coaches Create Psychological Safety
• Psychological safety in elite sport settings: a psychometric study of the Sport Psychological Safety Inventory
• Can Elite Sport Environments Be Psychologically Safe?
• The influence of psychological readiness of athletes when returning to sport after injury
• Psychological readiness to return to sports practice and risk of recurrence: Case studies
• Cambridge’s Boat Race win a reward for ditching ruthless winning culture
• A Theory of Human Motivation
• Female Collegiate Athletes’ Perceptions of Psychological Safety in Team Environments
• Psychological Safety in High-Performance Sport: Contextually Applicable?
• What does psychological safety mean in sport?
• Psychological safety in sport: a systematic review and concept analysis
• Creating the conditions for psychological safety and its impact on quality coach-athlete relationships
• Creating a psychologically safe culture
• Psychological Safety for Mental Health in Elite Sport: A Theoretically Informed Model
• Moving beyond the buzzword: psychological safety is just as important as physical safety
• Psychological Safety in Athletic Team Environments
• Psychological Safety: A Qualitative Study on Coach and Athlete Perceptions
• Building the Right Sports Culture in Our Team
• Creating conditions for psychological safety
• Safe to Be(long), Contribute, Learn, Challenge, and Transform: Fostering a Psychologically Safe and High-Performance Sport Environment
• When leadership, relationships and psychological safety promote flourishing in sport and life
• Seeking Clarity on Psychological Safety: Tackling Myths and Misconceptions in Competitive Sport – PDF
• Psychological Safety for Mental Health in Elite Sport: A Theoretically Informed Model
• The impact of identity leadership on team functioning and well-being in team sport: Is psychological safety the missing link?

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