“People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening…”. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” was never written about military culture. Yet its central idea has a striking relevance to the modern British Army. Sometimes the most dangerous sound in an organisation isn’t shouting. It is silence. Silence when someone makes a sexualised joke. Silence … Continue reading Disturb the Silence: Why the British Army Needs More People Willing to Speak Up
When More Whistleblowers Is Good News: Why Active Bystandership Can Increase Reporting
Bad news sells; that's clear. However, do the headlines always communicate the truth? When organisations announce that whistleblowing reports have increased, the reaction is often predictable. Headlines suggest something has gone wrong. Leaders become defensive. Employees wonder whether the workplace has become more toxic. A recent report from the Scottish media suggested that the City … Continue reading When More Whistleblowers Is Good News: Why Active Bystandership Can Increase Reporting
“A Man Ain’t A Man Unless He’s Fought The Fight.”
Be A Man – The 3 most destructive words a boy can hear. What the hell does it mean? It is one of the most striking lines in Walls by the Kings of Leon. On the surface, it sounds like a celebration of toughness. But listen more closely, and the song is about something much … Continue reading “A Man Ain’t A Man Unless He’s Fought The Fight.”
Lead with Compassion. Heal with Purpose.
Every August, a new generation of medical students steps out of the lecture theatre and onto the ward. They know the science. They understand the evidence. They have spent years preparing for this moment. They have their new scrubs under their arm. But the ward teaches lessons no textbook ever can. This week I had … Continue reading Lead with Compassion. Heal with Purpose.
Why we need a more positive conversation with young men about violence
A more positive conversation with and about young men is not about minimising harm or protecting male feelings. It is about effectiveness. If the goal is to reduce violence, challenge abusive norms, and create cultures where men intervene early when something is going wrong, then young men need to be engaged as part of the … Continue reading Why we need a more positive conversation with young men about violence
