Cracking the Culture Code: Building Safety (Part 1)
February 4, 2025
In his book The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups author Daniel Coyle examines three skills that are essential for creating and maintaining a healthy company culture.
- Build Safety
- Share Vulnerability
- Establish Purpose
In this article and several to follow, we’ll share some of Coyle’s nuggets of wisdom and some practical tips for how you can apply them in your company.
How to Build Safety (Part 1)
Safety goes beyond OSHA requirements and protective equipment. It also involves making employees feel they are accepted, listened to, and valued so they can focus on their work. Key concepts that Coyle addresses include:
1. Spotlight your fallibility early on.
No one—including the boss—knows everything. Coyle encourages leaders to be up front about when they need help and to use phrases like:
- “I could be wrong.”
- “What do you think?”
- “What am I missing?”
Asking for employees’ input and feedback builds trust as well as helps solve issues. For example, inviting workers’ thoughts and acknowledging their expertise on the best way to tackle a tricky framing problem lets them know you respect their expertise.
For example, “Thanks, Bob. You’re right, I missed that we’ll need additional time for the demo.”
2. Preview future connections.
Give your team a sneak preview of where your company is headed and help them envision how they will fit into those goals. For instance, If you’re thinking of expanding into bathroom remodels, tell your employees. Explain what it could mean for them—such as promotion and skills development opportunities.
3. Make sure everyone has a voice.
It’s important to give all team members a chance to share their insights. And when using someone’s suggestion, give credit where credit is due.
Give every employee room to speak, either in 1:1 meetings or in group huddles. Job sites often aren’t ideal meeting settings because of all the distractions. Instead, consider using your shop, house, or an offsite location.
Next in our series: Stay tuned for more on safety!