When serious police errors occur, the public conversation often focuses on individual competence, character or intent. Questions are asked about whether officers cared enough, whether they were properly trained, or whether they made poor decisions. While these questions matter, social psychology suggests that another factor deserves equal attention: the power of the situation itself. As … Continue reading What the Darley and Batson Experiments Can Teach Us About the Henry Nowak Case, Police Errors and the Importance of Compassionate Leadership and Active Bystandership
When Strength Becomes Silence: Masculinity Contest Cultures, Policing and the Power of Active Bystandership
Policing needs to talk more about its men. In likes of policing and other male dominated workplaces 'Masculinity Contest Cultures' play out daily. These are environments where men feel pressure to prove toughness, dominance and endurance. Vulnerability and help seeking are viewed as weakness. Unhealthy competition is the outcome. Left unchecked such contests work to … Continue reading When Strength Becomes Silence: Masculinity Contest Cultures, Policing and the Power of Active Bystandership
More Than a Cake: What Black Forest Gateau Teaches Us About Culture in the Police and Military.
I’ve just spent a week in the Black Forest of southern Germany. Ancient Romans found the thick forest here both mysterious and inaccessible. Today it’s a haven for hikers, cuckoo clock enthusiastic and cake lovers. Personally, I like the odd hike, I’m not much of a clock fan. I like cake. The Back Forest Gateau … Continue reading More Than a Cake: What Black Forest Gateau Teaches Us About Culture in the Police and Military.
Leaders Must Become Architects of Culture, Not Just Managers of Tasks
Senior leaders in organisations such as policing and military must now operate as organisational stewards creating the right conditions for trust, adaptability, and emotional well-being throughout the organisation. This means moving beyond task management to cultural leadership. For decades, leadership has often been measured by outputs, targets met, productivity achieved, budgets balanced, and deadlines delivered. … Continue reading Leaders Must Become Architects of Culture, Not Just Managers of Tasks
Strategic Empathy and Active Bystandership: Turning Understanding into Action
Empathy is a trait that isn't innate. It's something we learn from our upbringing. For some high levels of empathy remain throughout our life. We purposely feel for another. We care. For others our empathy muscle might not be fully developed or the situation we find ourselves in might stifle our ability to show empathy. … Continue reading Strategic Empathy and Active Bystandership: Turning Understanding into Action
