Learning. Safety First
About psychological safety in learning events
Religion of intimidation — an expansive, relevant, and, let’s be honest, widely adored topic. No one denies it — this approach is powerful, fast, and effective. And yes, sometimes it’s necessary.
Recently, I attended programs where the trainer prohibited participants from using a washroom, drinking water, or even flipping through a book he had recommended — even during the break. On top of that, he raised his voice at participants, made sarcastic remarks at their expense, and locked the door so that latecomers couldn’t enter (and yes, they literally sat outside waiting until the break). The group was so tense that people sitting next to me couldn’t tolerate the sound of my laptop keyboard.
An invisible guillotine loomed over us all — you couldn’t be late by even five minutes, you couldn’t glance at your phone, and heaven forbid you asked for a short break, even for a legitimate reason.
Those were the rules. OK.
“How did you manage to learn in that environment?”— you might ask.
I don’t know. Somehow, we did. We’re a patient bunch, after all.
But today, I want to finally write about something that has been waiting to be said — about psychological safety in training.
For both adults and children to learn effectively, a calm and safe environment is essential.
Pedagogy and andragogy both agree on this fundamental truth.
Because we can only learn meaningfully and enjoyably when we feel free, comfortable, and at ease — when we trust what’s happening, when we can reflect, explore, and engage in the exchange of experiences and thoughts.
When we’re not paralyzed by fear over whether we should ask a question, when we don’t tense up in response to provocations, when we don’t break into a nervous sweat over a poorly solved case study. Yes, this is a form of growth too.
But at what cost?
For years, I searched for the answer to my own sacred question:
Is growth possible without pain?
And after a century (well, almost), I finally found the answer.
Yes. It is.
And it happens in a particular ecosystem — one built on trust, calm, open discussions, an absence of judgment, and unconditional acceptance of who you are today and who you could become tomorrow.
A space where every individual is valued and important, where a trainer is not an all-knowing oracle but someone who can admit they don’t have all the answers and ask the group instead. A space where case studies and real-life scenarios are explored with care and sensitivity, with respect for personal boundaries (which, in such an environment, become naturally visible — because honestly, you don’t always know where someone’s boundaries lie until they’re crossed, and dear lord, that’s a mess to untangle).
On the slide, I sketched out the TOP-5 indicators of a toxic vs. safe learning environment. These apply both to the trainer as a person and the space they create.
A truly growth-oriented learning environment is:
A trainer in the role of a partner, facilitator, coach, guide, and co-creator. Someone who is deeply invested in meaning and cultivates the most important trait in training—curiosity. Curiosity is the muse of growth. And the way a trainer nurtures this curiosity shapes the entire learning journey for the group.
A flexible space and program, co-designed with participants before, during, and after the training. Yes, you can and should approach the co-authors of your training (yes, that’s exactly what the participants are) and ask them how they’d like to learn. Surprising? Maybe. But admit it — intriguing! A professional trainer, according to SHRM-certified HR programs, is required to assess participants’ learning styles before even designing the program. Which brings us to the next point.
Training as a co-creation of knowledge: interaction, exploration, curiosity, ease. This is achievable and desirable when your needs are acknowledged, your requests are heard, and the tools are adapted for you. We all know the age-old myth about the one-size-fits-all magic pill—that doesn’t work for anyone. Only what is created together leads to meaningful results. More than that—it brings joy! And joy is Muse #2 of growth.
A culture of mutual respect and attentiveness among all participants. Careful attention to every word, phrase, reaction, and movement. Sensitivity in phrasing, thoughtfulness in examples. This may be getting lost in the modern world, but it remains a crucial factor in a psychologically safe training environment.
A trainer who designs a meaningful Learning Journey and builds a supportive environment. We create the learning space from the very first interaction with a participant, sustain it through various methods during the program, and close it gently—taking into account their learning style, pace, and personality. Because learning isn’t just about content. It’s about how safe we feel while absorbing it.
January 26, 2021.