Posted on
February 13, 2026
in Trust Over Policy: Emotional Intelligence and Building Safer Teams with Joan McMillan
Psychological safety is talked about everywhere in safety right now. But can it actually be built through systems alone?
In this episode of Safety Spotlight, Joan McMillan joins us to unpack the human side of safety culture. With over 20 years in health and safety and a background in sport psychology and developmental psychology, Joan challenges the idea that policies and standards are enough to create real psychological safety.
We discuss:
- Why fear quietly undermines workplace culture
- The role emotional intelligence plays in leadership effectiveness
- How judgment, defensiveness, and blame signal deeper cultural issues
- Why self-awareness is the starting point for stronger teams
- What trust and connection actually look like on a worksite
This conversation moves beyond compliance and into behavior, performance, and the leadership habits that shape safe organizations.
If you’re responsible for culture, safety, or leading people, this episode will push you to think differently about what creates real psychological safety.
Related posts
November 13, 2025
Understanding Confined Space Safety Training
Gas hazards don’t always announce themselves. Pick the right detectors, place and test them correctly, and [...]
Read moreSeptember 28, 2025
Stopping Work: The Bold Move That Protects Lives
Stopping work when a hazard appears isn’t slowing down, it’s stepping up. Here’s why hitting pause can save [...]
Read moreSeptember 28, 2025
Why Safety Teams Are Turning to Digital FLHA Tools
Digital FLHA tools make safety faster, clearer, and more effective, helping teams shift from reactive fixes [...]
Read moreAugust 28, 2025
The Shortcut That Changed Everything
Safety culture in the workplace isn’t built on rules alone, it’s created when leaders model responsibility, [...]
Read more