Understanding Limbic Risk?

In every facet of our operations, we consider the evident physical risks—those that are easily visible and typically accounted for in our systems and procedures. However, there's a more subtle, often overlooked element at play, which we bring into our workplaces every day—ourselves. In this month’s newsletter, we delve deeper into what we term ‘Limbic Risk’, the risk our own neural responses pose in high-stress environments.

The limbic system, an area of the brain that deals with emotions and memories, plays a significant role in how we respond to stress and pressure. In high-stakes industries like ours, understanding and mitigating limbic risks can be as crucial as wearing safety gear. Here’s how we can scientifically tackle these risks.

Limbic Risk??Reduction Process

Step 1. Identify the Error Traps: Precursors to Human Error

Understanding that human errors are often not isolated incidents, but the result of systemic issues is key. We identify several common error traps:

• Human Nature: traits like complacency, cognitive biases, and heuristic shortcuts often lead to safety oversights.
• Task Demands: High demands can strain our cognitive capacities.
• Leadership Influence: Leadership styles significantly impact team stress levels and error rates.
• Work Environment: An environment that fosters stress contributes to increased limbic risk.

Step 2. Recognising Signs of Limbic Risk

Limbic risks manifest in various ways, and recognising these signs can help pre-empt potential issues:

• Behavioural Indicators: Changes in behaviour, including fatigue, irritability, or a drop in productivity.
• Verbal Cues: Changes in communication, like increased vagueness or a sharper tone, signalling stress.
• Emotional Signals: Signs of frustration or overwhelm, such as?agitation,?anger or worry.

Step 3. Applying Controls: Tools to Mitigate Risks

We advocate for proactive measures to manage Limbic Risk, employing tools designed to maintain a safe and productive mindset,?such as mindset self-check, stop and seek help, croc moments, SCAN, curious mindset, intervention, and CARE conversations. ?

Where humans are, Limbic Risk follows

Understanding and mitigating limbic risks is not just about enhancing individual safety—it’s about elevating our collective operational integrity. We invite you to join us in this crucial conversation. Reach out to our experts to learn more about how you can implement these strategies within your teams and contribute to a safer workplace.

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Contact The Jonah Group

O: +61 (2) 8324 1421

E: [email protected]

A: 2/61 Centennial Circuit Byron Bay, NSW 248