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.”
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
Disturb the Silence: Why the Royal Navy Is Stronger When People Speak Up
“Hello darkness, my old friend…” Few song lyrics are as recognisable as those from Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence. The song speaks of isolation, disconnection, and people who, despite seeing problems, fail to speak. While written in a very different context, its central idea remains relevant today: silence has consequences. In military organisations, … Continue reading Disturb the Silence: Why the Royal Navy Is Stronger When People Speak Up
Health and Safety Is Everyone’s Job: Why Active Bystandership Could Transform UK Workplaces
Health and safety has traditionally been viewed as a matter of policies, procedures, risk assessments and compliance. Every UK workplace has legal duties, managers with responsibilities and systems designed to prevent accidents. Yet despite decades of legislation, people are still injured, made ill or killed at work every year. Why? Because hazards don’t just exist … Continue reading Health and Safety Is Everyone’s Job: Why Active Bystandership Could Transform UK Workplaces
You Don’t Need a Leader to Be a Good Friend
In my work I’m often struck by a reliance on leadership to provide permission for a colleague to help a colleague. Whether it relates to a behavioural issue, a mistake or poor wellbeing many point to a failure of the leaders in the setting. I’ve spent the last 17 years using a framework of personal … Continue reading You Don’t Need a Leader to Be a Good Friend
