A poor donkey had been patiently carrying his heavy load all day long without a moment of respite. He had not even been allowed to stop to pee. Finally, his owner reached his destination, and the donkey was relieved of the merchandise heaped on his back. Free at last from his burden, the beast … [Read more...] about The fly who thought she was the captain
Social Psychology of Risk
The Philosophies that Guide Safety
Whether one can articulate a philosophy or not, doesn’t mean that there is none. There is no such thing as a non-philosophy. Every method, enactment and moral decision in safety is guided by underlying beliefs, values and ideas of being. One of the most profound silences and fears demonstrated … [Read more...] about The Philosophies that Guide Safety
The Purpose of Following is NOT Leadership Performance
I saw a fascinating post yesterday trying to push the notion of Servant Leadership yet, it had no idea about servant leadership. The purpose of following or service to another is NOT about outcomes or ‘performance’. This is just spin for the same old discourse on leadership power, masked through … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Following is NOT Leadership Performance
What Can Safety Learn from Barbie
What Can Safety Learn from Barbie We learn today that after many years Barbie is getting a ‘make over’. The iconic doll of the ‘perfect’ female form is about to become ordinary, diverse and not perfect. This is the end of a 56 year tradition that has had more harmful by-products than any other … [Read more...] about What Can Safety Learn from Barbie
Solution-Focused Methods and SEEK
For over 20 years, SPoR has been offering positive, practical solutions for an industry screaming out for alternatives. Then, when an alternative is offered, the industry goes back to the same drawing board, same systems, same design, more checklists, same discourse of ‘performance’ and engineering, … [Read more...] about Solution-Focused Methods and SEEK
The Hyphen as Social Grammar to Understand Risk
In SPoR, the beauty of the hyphen is critical. The hyphen is a part of speech that creates combinations and compounds words into one. This should be well-known. You don’t need to be long-winded about it. And, the hyphen is user-friendly. See what I mean? The beauty of the hyphen is not only that … [Read more...] about The Hyphen as Social Grammar to Understand Risk
Methodology (Philosophy) Drives Your Safety Method
Many use the word ‘methodology’ and the word ‘method’ interchangeably but this just creates confusion. Your methodology is your philosophy (your reason for being and knowing) and this drives your method (what you do). Many people in safety adopt methods eg. checklisting, investigation … [Read more...] about Methodology (Philosophy) Drives Your Safety Method
Human Performance Factors Element….and person?
Here’s an Indian man whom I met in Svendborg last December. I was having breakfast early morning and Rajesh (not his real name) walked up to my table and asked if he could boil his food in the kitchen. I told him I don’t work in this restaurant, but I can speak to the staff to see if they can help. … [Read more...] about Human Performance Factors Element….and person?
What it takes to become a learning organisation?
I have been told on many occasions that people don’t speak up, they hide, manipulate and even lie to their bosses when things go wrong. Here’s a picture of a woman praying in a temple that caught my eyes while in India. What is she doing and why does it matter to attend to her ritual? This … [Read more...] about What it takes to become a learning organisation?
Philosophy for Risk and Safety – Free Workshops
Dr Long is happy to announce his first suite of free workshops for 2026. The workshop series will focus on Philosophy and SPoR. You can read an overview of this course here: https://cllr.com.au/product/philosophy-and-spor-module-23/ These workshops will commence 5 May and every following Tuesday … [Read more...] about Philosophy for Risk and Safety – Free Workshops