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.

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

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