The Power of Conversation

As I’ve frequently alluded to in my articles, I’m an avid fan of podcasts. Specifically, I love a long form conversation. With a plethora of options out there, it’s hard to cut the wheat from the chaff. Pleasingly, OSH podcasts are starting to emerge with prominence and content of value. If you’re not listening to the following shows, I recommend you give them a listen. I’m yet to speak to any of the hosts on their show, so there is no self-promotion here. I’m simply doing this because I truly believe these conversations enhance the OSH profession. Also, because the main theme of this article will promote a podcast that doesn’t really need any. So, I feel a bit better about the balance here.

My three recommendations are:

·       Rebranding Safety

·       The Safety of Work

·       Safer Than Your Average

I’m certain there are more, so if you have one you’d recommend. Stick it in the comments and give us a flavour of why you recommend it. The power of shared connections in action. I look forward to expanding my podcast library.

I met a new mentee this week and had a wonderful conversation with her. I’m always impressed when people reach out with real intent. When they have thought about what they want from a mentor and why. We were discussing ways to expediate learning in safety, how to get a good grasp across the various opinions on, safety culture, safety initiatives and the world of OSH in general. I shared one of my favourite methods for improving my critical thinking and broadening my own understanding: Find comments on articles, posts, and twitter that you don’t agree with and follow those people.

 Why?

Well I challenge myself to try and understand how the other person has reached that position, what is their context, their field of vision. I find this challenge both fun and insightful. Understanding the position of others, is a skill well worth developing. Considering positions from many angles, helps to harness better decision making.

My final powerful conversation this week came from two Olympians and an American entrepreneur, investor, author, and podcaster. Tim Ferris might not be for everyone, but I enjoy the breadth of topics, guests, and insight I get from the Tim Ferris Show. Episode #494 was a conversation with Michael Phelps and Grant Hackett, two phenomenal athletes, both having achieved unimaginable success in the swimming pool.

Illustration via 99designs

I’m fascinated by people who achieve peak performance and sustain success at the pinnacle of what they do. There is so much insight into how they approach the basics, disrupt the mythologies of the past and embrace new technologies to squeeze out performance beyond what was thought possible. Whilst there is a healthy dose of this in their conversation, the most powerful piece is the conversation around mental health. I recommend you listen to it.

Michael Phelps is outstandingly open in his discussion regarding the impact mental ill health had on him. The impact on those he loves and the value of the relationships that helped him to recognise and overcome his mental ill health. The reaction of Grant Hackett, the support, the love, care and respect these two have for each other is palpable. It’s also very powerful for three men to have a conversation on this topic, to be open, emotional, and most importantly to share.

There really is power in conversation. We owe it to one another to talk openly, to find the ways to express how we feel, address our fears, challenges, and loves. To discuss the things that excite and energise us, is equally as powerful in helping us to understand one another. It’s powerful to hear the experiences in this podcast, it reinforces the notion that it can happen to anyone. It reinforces the importance of getting help, support and having a conversation, you can change the current situation for the better. At a time when there is increased uncertainty, volatility, ambiguity, and complexity in our day to day lives. Something as simple as a conversation can make all the difference.