Culture of Safety

Are we learning from each other or are we repeating the same mistakes over again and again?

We’re presented with ample opportunities to learn from each other every day yet many times we choose to view ourselves as being exempt from the experience of another person or company or we classify ourselves as special or different than them. Therefore, the lesson must not apply.

I remember my Mum saying to me, “I wish you could learn this lesson through my experience because it would save you a lot of time and frustration.” Guess what my first thought was? I’m different. Your story and lesson doesn’t apply to me!

Now at her age, I laugh out loud several times a day as I realize how similar our experiences really are! Sound familiar?

I find this to be true in business as well. Over the years working with clients, I’ve noticed how similar their blind spots are. One of the biggest blind spots is being able to cultivate a culture where people feel safe to speak up when bad behavior is occurring.

Recently the coaches in the Forbes Coaches Council were asked to reflect on: “What Uber's Company Culture Crisis Taught Us About Leadership And Management?” I’m thrilled to say my response was selected and published and here’s what I said,

“Creating a culture of safety in the workplace is essential to being able to grow while adapting to change. Establishing a reliable and effective reporting system for employees to use when they experience or witness unjust behavior will help foster a sense of safety to speak up when the bad behavior is occurring. Sweeping it under the rug in hopes it will vanish will eventually ruin the floor.” - Kris McCrea Scrutchfield, McCrea Coaching

What’s the culture like in your business or organization or home? Take a moment to reflect on your answer.

Are people able to speak up and be heard or are the same mistakes happening that sent Uber into a culture crisis?

If you would like to read the thoughts from a few other Forbes coaches, click here to read the full article.

Let me know what resonates for you as you read them.

If you would like to share more about the culture where you are and talk about ways to begin to create a culture of safety where people’s voices are heard, click here and sign up for a complimentary discovery call with me today.