We firmly believe that psychological safety is essential for creating sustained high performance in a work and sports environment. In previous articles, we discussed the psychological safety in the workplace. In this article, we will tackle aspects of psychological safety in the world of sports.

What does psychological safety mean in the sporting context?

Psychological safety in sports refers to an environment where teammates feel secure enough to freely express themselves, take calculated risks, and acknowledge their mistakes without fear of repercussions. It becomes the responsibility of sports organizations, coaches, and teams to ensure that fellow teammates and athletes feel this sense of security.

Why is it important?

Creating a psychologically safe environment is fundamental for developing peak performance. The importance of psychological safety in sports cannot be emphasized enough. Like employees, athletes excel when they experience support and a sense of security.

Creating an environment that promotes safety offers many benefits:

• A sense of belonging and shared purpose. Athletes perform better when they feel secure and comfortable with their teammates.
• Communication is key. Athletes feel at ease when they can freely discuss their concerns and ideas with coaches and teammates.
• Encouragement for risk-taking and innovation. Athletes are likelier to explore techniques and strategies without fearing criticism or punishment.
• Learning from mistakes. Making mistakes is a founding part of an athlete's learning and development journey.  
• Mental health support: Psychological safety equips athletes to handle the pressure of competition and the demands of their sport.

So, how can we create psychological safety?

“You aren’t a failure until you start to blame” – John Wooden.

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It is only possible to discuss some ways to encourage a psychologically safe environment within sports in this short blog. We’ll dive here into a few techniques that can help foster this environment.

1. Communication is key. Coaches and team leaders should try to understand each athlete's individual needs and challenges and create a forum where athletes can voice their opinions and concerns.
2. Stimulate a sense of mutual respect and foster constructive interaction among teammates.
3. Educate coaches and team leaders in delivering constructive feedback centered on growth. Also, set up well-defined pathways for athletes to communicate feedback to their coaches and managers.
4. Provide access to mental skills coaches, sports psychologists, and other resources for athletes on a voluntary basis.

What are some examples of the success stories?

The following examples of various teams emphasizing mental performance and psychological safety underscore a significant trend in elite sports. These programs have acknowledged and incorporated mental health and well-being as essential for achieving comprehensive athletic excellence.

New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team
The All Blacks, renowned for their dominance in rugby, have learned some harsh lessons about poor mental preparation in the past. The 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France is perhaps their most infamous example of poor mental preparation and a genuine catalyst for improvement. They implemented a cultural change of cohesion, humility, and mental well-being. Together with a team of mental performance specialists, they introduced the concept of ‘red head’ and ‘blue head, the latter being the ideal state of mind in pressurized rugby circumstances. As a result, the team saw a remarkable improvement in performance, with players reporting increased comfort in expressing vulnerabilities and a strong sense of unity and support.

The German National Football Team
The German national soccer team began prioritizing mental performance leading up to the 2006 World Cup. They enlisted the help of sports psychologist Dr. Hermann to enhance their ability to handle pressure better, strengthen team cohesion, and cultivate a winning mindset. After winning the 2014 World Cup title, players noted the positive team spirit and effective stress management techniques.

The USA Women’s National Soccer Team
Similarly, the success of the USA Women's National Soccer Team on the international stage can be attributed to their focus on skills and creating a psychologically safe environment. Head coach Pia Sundhage emphasized positivity and mental resilience and fostered a strong sense of unity within the group.

The Dutch Speed Skating Team
Speed skating is a sport known for its physical demands and precision in technique. The Dutch speed skaters have been a dominant force in the sport. The mental aspects have become a part of the team’s strategy to maintain this dominance. The team focused on creating a supportive environment, team unity, and mental health awareness.

A final thought
It becomes increasingly evident that establishing a safe and supportive environment is crucial for sustainable high-level sports performance. We are sensitive to the fact that establishing a supportive environment in elite sports comes with its own challenges. The intense competitiveness, the focus on winning, the diverse personalities and backgrounds of athletes and coaches, and the strong egos involved can make it challenging. For this reason, achieving positive results demands a conscious effort from all parties involved and should be a top-down approach. “Psychological safety washing” by hiring a sports psychologist or mental skills coach won’t cut it. Success in this field can only be achieved if the sports organization's leadership is committed to achieving the goal of psychological safety.