Utility Safety Podcast – Deep Dive – The Good Shepherd – Leading with Safety and Trust
In this episode, we explore what an ancient shepherding metaphor can teach us about modern safety leadership. Inspired by The Good Shepherd, an article written by David McPeak, CUSP, CIT, CHST, CSP, CSSM for Incident Prevention magazine, we unpack how the timeless relationship between shepherd and sheep mirrors the dynamic between safety leaders and their teams. Through the lens of the C5 Safety Leadership Model—Competence, Commitment, Caring, Courage, and Credibility—we break down what it truly takes to earn trust, lead effectively, and create a culture of protection and performance. Whether you’re guiding a crew or shaping safety policy, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your leadership response and deepen your impact.
Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-good-shepherd/
Key Takeaways:
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The C5 Safety Leadership Model offers five foundational qualities: Competence, Commitment, Caring, Courage, and Credibility.
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Leadership is not about authority—it’s about earned trust and interdependence, just like a shepherd and their flock.
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Real courage in safety often shows up in small but meaningful moments, like speaking up or making difficult calls.
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Caring is the heart of effective safety leadership—it fuels the other four C’s.
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Credibility is fragile; it’s earned through consistent action, not job titles.
Questions and Answers:
Q: What does a shepherd-sheep analogy teach us about safety leadership?
A: It highlights the interdependent relationship between leaders and teams—just as sheep need guidance and protection, teams rely on leaders who are competent, committed, caring, courageous, and credible.
Q: What is the most important trait in the C5 model?
A: While all five are critical, the episode emphasizes that Caring sits at the center—without genuine care, the other traits lose their power.
Q: How can a leader build trust in their team?
A: By consistently demonstrating the five C5 traits. Trust is earned through action, particularly in how leaders respond to challenges, errors, and opportunities.
Q: Why is credibility considered the foundation of the C5 model?
A: Because without credibility, leadership influence breaks down. Teams follow leaders they trust, not just those with authority.
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About the Author: David McPeak, CUSP, CIT, CHST, CSP, CSSM, is the director of professional development for Utility Business Media’s Incident Prevention Institute (https://ip-institute.com) and the author of “Frontline Leadership – The Hurdle” and “Frontline Incident Prevention – The Hurdle.” He has extensive experience and expertise in leadership, human performance, safety and operations. McPeak is passionate about personal and professional development and believes that intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are key to success. He also is an advanced certified practitioner in DISC, emotional intelligence, the Hartman Value Profile, learning styles and motivators.
About Frontline Fundamentals: Frontline Fundamentals topics are derived from the Incident Prevention Institute’s popular Frontline training program (https://frontlineutilityleader.com). Frontline covers critical knowledge, skills and abilities for utility leaders and aligns with the Certified Utility Safety Professional exam blueprint.