PAPod 539 - From the Archives: Unlocking Cultural Sustainability with Edgar Schein

Join us for the concluding part of an insightful conversation with Edgar Schein as he delves into the intricacies of embedding sustainability within organizational cultures, with a focus on safety. Discover why understanding and integrating sustainable practices are crucial from top management to middle managers. Dr. Schein lays out 12 key factors for effectively embedding values into a company culture and stresses the importance of attention, curiosity, and genuine interest from leaders to nurture an open, trustful environment. Alongside, the episode highlights examples and anecdotes illustrating transformative leadership practices essential for evolving successful organizations.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Podcast with Todd Conklin, where today marks the first part of an enlightening two-part series featuring Edgar Schein and his son Peter. This episode dives deep into the nuances of trust and openness within organizational culture, particularly in relation to safety and effectiveness. Throughout this engaging conversation, Edgar Schein shares his experiences working with major companies and industries, illustrating how openness and trust are fundamental to creating a culture of safety and effectiveness. He emphasizes the significance of building strong interpersonal relationships within the workplace to foster an environment where employees feel safe to communicate potential issues. Join us as we explore the evolution of management relationships, moving beyond traditional role-based dynamics to embrace deeper, more meaningful connections that can transform organizational effectiveness. This episode is packed with insights and real-world examples that highlight the importance of trust and openness as the cornerstones of a thriving workplace culture.

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd is joined by Georgina Poole, a safety professional from Australia, to discuss a wide range of topics about modern safety initiatives and leadership. Georgina shares her research findings on what creates sustainable change in organizations and the role of leadership in these transformations. The conversation delves into the challenges of measuring safety improvements, the misconceptions surrounding safety practices, and the importance of redefining safety as a continuous capacity to do work well. Todd and Georgina explore the complexities of organizational change, discussing how progress is not always linear and how leadership must adapt to contextual requirements. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own understanding of safety and leadership while considering the cultural and operational shifts necessary for effective change. This engaging episode promises a thought-provoking look at how industries can better create a safe and productive environment by embracing new strategies and ideas.

Join Todd Conklin on an insightful journey as he delves into the complexities of today's ever-changing world. In this episode, Todd challenges the often-celebrated notion of "Move Fast and Break Things," urging listeners to reassess their approach to change and uncertainty. He highlights the need for organizations to focus on delivering excellence amidst chaos, emphasizing the importance of foundational principles that guide human performance. With a touch of humor and candor, he shares his observations on the dynamics of modern workforces and the evolving motivations driving organizations forward. Explore the impact of "encrapification" on systems and discover the tools necessary to maintain confidence and resilience in uncertain times. This episode invites reflection on how leaders respond to challenges, the significance of learning, and the value of preserving cultural and contextual factors to drive positive outcomes. Whether you're navigating unpredictable weather or organizational changes, the conversation offers a roadmap to stay grounded by consistently delivering excellence.

Join Todd Conklin on the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast as he dives into an enlightening conversation with David Woods, the pioneer behind The Ohio State University's Cognitive Systems Engineering Laboratory. This episode unravels the intricate layers of resilience engineering and its foundational role in understanding safety, adaptability, and the dynamics of compromise in complex systems. Listen as Professor Woods shares insights on building competent and extensible systems, avoiding the pitfalls of compromising on safety fundamentals, and the importance of reciprocity and adaptive capacity. With references to historical incidents and contemporary examples, this discussion is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in systems engineering, safety, and innovation.

In this enlightening episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast, host Todd Conklin engages in a compelling conversation with Vance Walker, an expert in integrating Maori cultural practices with modern health and safety systems. As an indigenous professional deeply involved with Maori communities in New Zealand, Vance explores how culturally resonant safety practices can enhance risk perception and communication, particularly for vulnerable workers. Discover the intriguing concept of 'kia tūpato', an attitude emphasizing caution over the conventional notion of safety, and how this aligns with risk management and competency in various cultural contexts. Through fascinating anecdotes and historical perspectives, Vance sheds light on how traditional Maori approaches to caution and risk have been adapted to contemporary challenges, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Todd and Vance as they discuss the importance of cultural awareness in health and safety, the powerful role of storytelling, and the need for evidence-based practices that truly resonate with indigenous values. This episode is a call to action for businesses and safety professionals to embrace diversity of thought and enhance workplace safety through cultural inclusivity.

This is Part Two of a two-part discussion.  In this engaging episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast, host Todd Conklin continues the conversation with Doug Parker and Jim Frederick in part two of their insightful discussion. They explore the evolving role of OSHA and how it navigates enforcement and assurance to improve workplace safety. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the episode highlights the proactive measures taken to enhance health and safety management systems. Doug and Jim share their perspectives on shifting from traditional compliance to best practices, emphasizing the importance of worker participation and leadership within organizations. They address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, providing valuable insights into the future direction of OSHA. This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in understanding how OSHA is fostering an environment of innovation while ensuring safety and how it's impacting both the regulatory landscape and workplace practices. Be sure to tune in to learn about these critical advancements and the vision for a safer workplace for all.

In this special episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, hosted by Todd Conklin, we take a moment to honor the legacy of James Reason, a prominent figure in the field of safety and human error study, who passed away on February 5th, 2025. James Reason revolutionized the way we understand human errors, particularly in complex systems, with groundbreaking concepts such as the Swiss cheese model and the theory of a just culture. Listen as we delve into the life and contributions of James Reason, from his early conversations that expanded our understanding of organizational accidents to his influence in various sectors, including healthcare and aviation. Featuring a special tribute from David Woods, this episode reflects on Reason's enduring impact and challenges us to continue advancing in the world of safety and reliability. Join us in remembering a man whose work has profoundly shaped the foundation of modern safety practices. In a unique tribute, we invite you to enjoy a sandwich with Swiss cheese, a nod to Reason's famous model, and reflect on his contributions to the field. Thank you, James Reason, for your remarkable influence on safety and human error research.

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with Todd Conklin. In this exciting two-part episode, Todd sits down with former OSHA administrators Doug Parker and Jim Frederick. Together, they dive into the world of OSHA, sharing their experiences and insights from working at the forefront of occupational safety and health governance. Doug and Jim open up about their time at OSHA, discussing what they feel proud of accomplishing, the challenges they faced, and the work they hope will continue. The conversation touches on the role of enforcement and discipline in leadership, as well as the importance of proactive safety measures. Listeners are given a unique glimpse into the agency's internal workings and how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way safety and compliance are perceived and implemented. Doug and Jim reflect on building trust within the organization and with the public while adapting to the uncertainty brought by the pandemic. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in safety, compliance, and the dynamic role of regulatory bodies in making the world a safer place. Don't miss part two, where the conversation continues with more insights and reflections from these remarkable leaders.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pre-Accident Podcast hosted by Todd Conklin! In this engaging conversation, Todd shares his recent extensive travels across Europe and Asia, the exhaustion that follows, and the reflections it brought. This episode takes a closer look at the intriguing debate of whether the methods used in workplace safety are merely manipulative or cleverly designed for efficiency and security. Through a dynamic discussion with Marc Yeston, Todd explores the implications of context-driven behavior in organizational settings. They dissect scenarios that highlight the subtle ways in which environments influence worker behavior, questioning whether these influences are ethical or simply essential for safety and performance. Listeners are invited to think about their own work systems and practices and whether they facilitate safe behavior or inadvertently lead employees towards riskier decisions. This episode is not only about understanding manipulation but also appreciating thoughtful system design. Grab a jar of Milo's Tea, sit back, and enjoy this thought-provoking dialogue that challenges our perceptions of safety and efficiency in the workplace. Join Todd and Marc as they navigate these complex discussions with humor and insight.