Episode 183: Going Beyond

In this episode of the Leading and Learning Through Safety podcast, Dr. Mark French explores the contrast between managing people the easy way versus the right way. Sparked by a discussion with a fellow safety professional and the media’s coverage of the Texas floods, Mark reflects on how safety failures are often sensationalized, leading to blame instead of meaningful solutions. He argues that while it’s easy to point fingers and assign fault, true leadership requires deeper examination of systemic causes and cultural influences.

Drawing on insights from How to Win Friends and Influence People, he criticizes the common "blame, shame, retrain" method as ineffective, favoring instead adult learning and genuine engagement. The podcast underscores the importance of avoiding the toxic cycle of criticizing, condemning, and complaining—especially within safety committees—and instead encourages empowering those most critical of safety programs to become part of the solution.

Mark emphasizes that understanding the “why” behind unsafe behavior is key: Why don’t people follow procedures? Why is noncompliance easier? By asking these questions and involving workers in problem-solving, leaders can drive lasting change. He reflects on his own growth from being a “safety cop” to someone focused on enabling others to choose safe behaviors. The right way isn’t easy, he concludes, but it leads to real improvement in safety culture.

He ends by promoting his upcoming talk on safety culture at the Kentucky Governor’s Safety Conference and encourages listeners to keep pushing for authentic progress.