Empathy without agency can leave us standing on the sidelines (I said that, 2026) We often talk about empathy as though it is the answer. If we could only understand what another person was feeling, we assume, we would treat them differently. We would notice their discomfort. We would recognise when something was wrong. We … Continue reading Strategic Empathy: The Missing Link Between Understanding and Action
From “Don’t Be That Guy” to “Be the Guy Who Speaks Up”
The allegations emerging from Cornell University in the United States have once again raised difficult questions about male peer culture, sexual behaviour and, perhaps most importantly, male silence. The details of individual cases must be established through the appropriate processes, but there is a wider question worth asking: What happens when men see behaviour from … Continue reading From “Don’t Be That Guy” to “Be the Guy Who Speaks Up”
Why Picasso may have accidentally explained the psychology of active bystandership.
“We don’t grow older. We grow riper.” — Pablo Picasso I was wandering around a bookshop recently with my book-mad wife. I stumbled across this quote from Pablo Picasso. In my work, I often talk about the transitions in our lives. From our early years to our teenage years. From our teens into our 20’s … Continue reading Why Picasso may have accidentally explained the psychology of active bystandership.
What If We Stockpiled Human Connection?
We are very good at stockpiling things. We fill our cupboards with food, our garages with possessions, and our bank accounts with money. We prepare for uncertain times by accumulating resources, hoping that when we need something, it will be there. We understand the importance of preparing for scarcity. But what if there is another … Continue reading What If We Stockpiled Human Connection?
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
