In this episode of The Leadership Crucible podcast, host Randy Bruegman welcomes Gordon Graham, a pioneer in public safety risk management and co-founder of Lexipol. With over 50 years of experience in law enforcement, legal consulting, and leadership training, Gordon shares profound insights on how organizations can transform adversity into lasting improvements. From risk management strategies to the importance of personal accountability, this conversation delivers actionable advice for leaders at every level. (Visit the Leadership Crucible Foundation for more transformative stories and lessons.)
1. Learn from Close Calls to Prevent Tragedies
Gordon highlights the importance of investigating near misses, as they are 300 times more common than fatal incidents. By fostering a culture of non-punitive reporting, organizations can identify hidden risks and proactively address them, turning near misses into opportunities for improvement.
2. Excellence Begins with Leadership and Training
Effective leaders prioritize training and set clear expectations. Gordon advocates for focused, scenario-based training that prepares teams for high-risk, low-frequency events, ensuring they are equipped to act decisively under pressure.
Every day, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Be grateful for that opportunity and strive to make excellence the norm.
3. Build Relationships that Make a Difference
Relationships are foundational to leadership. Gordon encourages leaders to connect authentically with their teams, citing examples where a simple gesture of gratitude or acknowledgment significantly impacted morale and performance.
4. The Value of Mentorship and Institutional Knowledge
Organizations often overlook the wealth of knowledge retiring employees hold. Gordon recommends capturing this institutional knowledge through structured interviews and involving retirees in mentoring programs to guide the next generation.
5. Make Excellence the Norm, Not the Exception
Creating a culture of excellence starts with hiring diverse, thoughtful individuals and fostering continuous learning. By emphasizing diverse perspectives and shared knowledge, organizations can raise the bar for everyone involved.
About Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham is a celebrated attorney, lecturer, and author specializing in organizational and operational risk management. A co-founder of Lexipol, he has designed training systems that have improved safety and performance in both public and private sectors. Recognized globally, his contributions include the firefighter near-miss reporting system and the widely adopted Six Minutes for Safety program. His lifetime achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the Presidential Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
