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A Culture of Safety
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A Culture of Safety

Building a work environment where people can think, collaborate and innovate

Alla Weinberg
Sense & Respond, 2020
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Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Innovative
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Recommendation

Creating a safe environment for your employees increases their creativity and innovation. You will likely reduce “tragic failures” as well, says Alla Weinberg, CEO of Spoke & Wheel. After the 737 Max jet disasters, for example, Boeing found its employees had known about issues with the aircraft but hadn’t felt safe revealing them. Weinberg covers how to turn three types of safety – physical, emotional, psychological – into strong corporate values. She advises adding safety-building exercises – some of them clearly awkward but, she feels, worthwhile – to your meetings to help employees align with those values and to nurture stronger, more cohesive teams.

Summary

Companies that lack a culture of safety pay a steep price.

After two in-air disasters, Boeing grounded its 737 Max jets in order to investigate the cause of the accidents. The corporation’s culture turned out to be part of the problem. Employees kept silent about design issues because they feared for their jobs if they voiced their concerns. As part of addressing its problems, Boeing eventually fired its CEO.Creating an environment in which people can and will express themselves without fear of reprisal or criticism is a never-ending, ongoing process. When employees don’t feel safe or comfortable, teamwork and innovation suffer.

Do employees ask questions and contribute in meetings? Do they take responsibility for their mistakes? Are team members willing to disagree or do they avoid conflict? Employees who feel safe know they can admit mistakes, work through conflicts and ask for help.Building a safe corporate environment begins with a company’s leadership. Think of a time and a group of people with whom you felt safe. Reflect on how that sense of security allowed the group to create solutions and...

About the Author

Spoke & Wheel CEO Alla Weinberg specializes in workplace relationships.

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