PreAccident Investigation Podcast

PAPod 546 - Zoe Gulley and Unraveling the Myths of Accident Investigation

In this insightful episode, Todd Conklin leads a fascinating discussion on the concept of counterfactuals with experts Robert Waterhouse and Zoe Gulley from Energy Safety Canada. They delve into the limitations of traditional accident investigations and how long-standing practices may not serve us well in truly understanding incidents and improving performance.
The conversation focuses on causal reasoning, distinguishing it from negative reasoning, and the importance of learning how work is actually performed rather than pinpointing what did not happen. Throughout the episode, Todd and guests explore how this approach can transform not only investigations but also organizational learning and leadership strategies.
The episode reveals how industries can benefit from shifting their focus from corrective actions based on negatives to actions that truly reflect and enhance real work conditions. Join this discussion to better grasp the potential of transforming safety and reliability practices in your organization.

PAPod 545 - A Podcast Redux - "From Southern Tea to Transformative Safety: A Journey"

In this engaging episode, host Todd Conklin kicks off with a delightful chat about Milo's tea, leading into a compelling panel discussion with Bob Edwards, Mark Yeston, and Andrea Baker. The conversation explores the journey of organizational transformation, focusing on shifting from traditional safety views to a new perspective that emphasizes human performance and operational learning.
Join the team as they dissect the stages of change, from gaining leadership interest to integrating new safety philosophies within established systems. With anecdotes, humor, and insightful discourse, this episode offers practical insights into implementing transformative safety practices that enhance reliability and engagement.

PAPod 544 - Navigating the Queues of Chaos: A Tale from the TSA

Join host Todd Conklin as he recounts a humorous and eye-opening experience at a Houston airport, navigating an empty TSA line designed for a crowd. Dive into the conversation about design choices and their impact on efficiency and effectiveness, guided by insights from Don Norman's work. Explore how our systems often dictate behavior, and why their design matters, especially when they seem absurd. This episode raises important questions about the balance between convenience and efficiency in safety and bureaucratic systems.

PAPod 543 - Navigating Toxic Uncertainty: Insights for Leaders

In this episode of the Pre-Accident Investigation Safety Podcast, host Todd Conklin delves into the complex topic of toxic uncertainty and its impact on organizations. Through engaging discussions, Todd explores how leaders can guide their teams through an ever-changing world by embracing diversity and making incremental adaptations.Reflecting on lessons learned during the pandemic, Todd emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress and understanding the direction in which organizations are moving. He highlights the significance of building adaptive systems that can withstand unpredictability and thrive in challenging times.Todd also shares personal anecdotes, including his excitement for an upcoming adventure, while offering valuable insights on fostering a diverse environment in decision-making processes.

PAPod 542 - "Workers Are Not the Problem: A Revolutionary Leadership Perspective"

Welcome to the Pre-Accident Investigation Podcast with your host Todd. Join Todd and Jennifer Long as they discuss their new book, Workers Are Not the Problem, Workers Are the Solution: A Guide to Leading Differently. The conversation delves into the intersection of leadership, accountability, and the evolving work environment.
The discussion highlights the importance of addressing leadership biases and adapting to contemporary workforce dynamics. With a focus on the critical notion of accountability, the episode explores how traditional leadership paradigms need to shift to manage the current landscape of uncertainty and rapid change.
Through qualitative observations of various organizations, Todd and Jennifer reveal insights into how the employment environment is changing and how leaders need to rethink their strategies. Tune in to discover how navigating toxicity and uncertainty can redefine leadership roles and expectations.

PAPod 541 - The Stuntman Episode - Meeting Peter Tiemann

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PAPod 540 - Swiss Cheese Actually

Welcome to the PAPod!  This episode discusses the Swiss Cheese Model a bit deeper then normally discussed.
 
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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.

PAPod 538 - From the Archives: Exploring Trust and Openness with Edgar Schein

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.

PAPod 537 - Unveiling the Myths of Modern Safety: A Conversation with Todd and Georgina

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.