Timothy Clark defines psychological safety thus: > Psychological safety is a condition in which you feel (1) included, (2) safe to learn, (3) safe to contribute, and (4) safe to challenge the status quo—all without fear of being embarrassed, marginalized, or punished in some way. The term was first coined by William Kahn in 1990. Others before him used different language to describe the same need. Carl Rogers referred to the need for "unconditional positive regard". Herbert Simon talked about "attitudes of friendliness and cooperation". Abraham Maslow spoke of "belongingness needs". The diagram shows how psychological safety straddles the needs for fulfillment, belonging, and security: ![[Psychological safety in the hierarchy of needs.png|400x500]] The diagram below shows the pathway to achieve psychological safety: ![[Pathway to psychological safety.png|400x400]] Respect - The regard and esteem we give each other. To respect someone is to value and appreciate them. Permission - The degree to which we allow others in our group to influence us and participate in what we are doing. --- Related: [[Sociocracy guarantees psychological safety]] Source: Clark, Timothy R. _The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety: Defining the Path to Inclusion and Innovation_. First edition. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc, 2020.