Built In, Not Bolted On – Paying it Forward – Building a Safety Culture for the Holidays

In this episode of “Built In, Not Bolted On,” host Doug Hill and guest Nick discuss the concept of “paying it forward” as a proactive approach to safety and mental well-being during the stressful holiday season. They explore how small acts—like salting a neighbor’s walkway or simply asking a coworker “are you okay?”—can prevent failure and build a stronger, more supportive culture. The conversation highlights the dangers of distracted driving, the impact of winter weather on utility work, and the importance of checking in on colleagues who may be struggling with personal stressors.

Key Takeaways

• Paying it Forward is an Investment: Paying it forward isn’t just about buying coffee; it’s an investment in others that pays dividends by setting them up for success and safety.
• Proactive Safety Measures: Practical acts like salting walkways or ensuring cars have fuel and emergency gear help others avoid failure and stay safe during winter travel.
• Mental Well-Being Check-ins: The holidays bring hidden stressors (financial, family, travel). Asking coworkers “Are you okay?” or “I got you” can uncover these “X factors” and provide much-needed support.
• The “Glass House” of Leadership: Effective leadership involves “paying it forward” by mentoring the next generation, a concept exemplified by industry veterans who continue to teach safety even after retirement.
• Distracted Driving Dangers: The first snow of the season often catches drivers off guard. Preparing for winter conditions is a critical way to pay it forward to your family and fellow commuters.

Questions & Answers

1. What is the core theme of this episode? The core theme is “paying it forward, not looking back,” which involves taking proactive steps during the holiday season to ensure the safety and success of others, rather than just reacting to problems.

2. How does Doug Hill define “paying it forward” in a safety context? Doug defines it as making an investment in other people to set them up for success, such as salting a walkway to prevent falls or ensuring vehicles are fueled to avoid being stranded in bad weather.

3. What specific winter driving advice does Doug give to his daughters? He advises them to always keep an extra coat and boots in the car to be prepared if they get stranded, emphasizing the need to mentally shift and prepare for winter conditions.

4. How can coworkers support each other’s mental well-being during the holidays? Coworkers can pay it forward by asking “Are you okay?” if someone is acting abnormally, recognizing that financial or family stressors may be affecting their focus and safety on the job.

5. What is the origin story of “paying it forward” mentioned by Doug? Doug shares that the concept originated in his hometown of Midland, Michigan, with a young boy named Jaden Lamb, who passed away from cancer but inspired others to do good deeds for one another.

6. What is the “I got you” concept discussed by Nick and Doug? It is a simple phrase or text used between colleagues to reassure each other that they have support and communication lines are open, reinforcing trust and safety.

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