Brent Sutton

In this episode, Brent Sutton, safety author, consultant and podcaster, shares insights on learning from normal safety work. He emphasizes the importance of variability and complexity in safety systems, highlighting weak and strong signals. Brent discusses the 4 Ds technique for meaningful conversations and the benefits of post-work reflection. He challenges traditional safety practices and encourages workers to lead safety initiatives with organizational support.

Brent Sutton, an expert in Human and Organizational Performance, and Jeff Lyth, a strategist in organizational safety, join the discussion on whether a sixth principle, 'Control Saves Lives,' should be adopted. They explore the differences between principles and practices and their role in shaping safety. The conversation touches on the historical context of organizational safety and emphasizes adapting these concepts for modern challenges. Personal stories enrich the dialogue, highlighting the importance of engaging communication and community in enhancing safety strategies.

Brent Sutton, a safety and organizational resilience expert, joins Todd Conklin to explore the future of safety thinking. They discuss the decline of lean and TQM, how commodification stifles innovation, and the vital role of weak signals in fostering resilience. The conversation takes a lighthearted turn with breakfast burritos and debates over cheese, but the core message emphasizes the need for small, 'safe-to-fail' experiments and leaders' responsibility to navigate workplace complexities. Staying curious about evolving safety practices is key to preventing stagnation.