Episode 158: Be Present

Leading and Learning Through Safety

The podcast episode from Dr. Mark French focuses on the importance of leadership in safety, emphasizing the need for leaders to be directly involved and present where the work happens. French argues that safety is a key indicator of good leadership, as it reflects a fundamental concern for the well-being of employees. He discusses the concept of leading from the front, highlighting the necessity for leaders to observe and understand the work environment to identify potential risks and make informed decisions.

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the importance of "gemba," a term from Lean management that refers to going to the actual place where work occurs to see firsthand if expectations align with reality. French stresses that leaders must regularly inspect what they expect to ensure that safety protocols are being followed and that the work environment is conducive to both productivity and safety.

He also touches on the psychological aspect of safety, where employees must feel empowered to protect themselves from harm. He criticizes environments where workers are afraid to make safety-related decisions due to potential pushback from management. Overall, French advocates for a hands-on, empathetic approach to leadership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of employees, which in turn leads to better productivity and long-term success for organizations.