I'm Joan. Lately, I've seen something in a department that makes me uncomfortable… I don't know if I should tell someone.
A Silly Practice for a Serious Topic:
I'm John, a High Reliability Organization ambassador. My goal is to help make the VA Health Care System a safe place for Veterans and staff.
Let's Talk Speaking Up for Safety
start
Joan witnessed how a coworker, Joey, constantly slides down the rail in the main stairwell, even when he's escorting a Veteran. Although at first it seemed like a "joke," she has noticed that his team seems increasingly uncomfortable. Joan has decided to talk to John, an HRO Ambassador, to find out what she can do.
continue
John, do you have a minute? I'm worried about something that's happening in one of our departments . . .
Sure, Joan. I am here to help you. What's been happening?
We have this coworker, Joey. He slides down the stair rail every day. Staff in his department have tried to speak up, but I think they are having a hard time.
Thank you for telling me. What you describe could be a sign of an unjust culture, where staff don't feel safe to speak up. Do you know what they have tried?
Well… what I've seen is that staff seem concerned, but they say that Joey will ignore them and they worry they'll get in trouble if they speak to anyone else - so they haven't.
These reactions suggest that the team isn't familiar with the Respectful Followership Algorythm, and they may need to be reminded about our Just Culture.
I thought about telling them about the Respectful Followership Algorythm, or giving it a try with Joey myself, but I was afraid I'd get it wrong.
It's normal to feel nervous about speaking up. The important thing is to speak up respectfully, and continue speaking up until the safety risk is addressed.
Remember that Just Cultures . . .
continue
Remember, as a High Reliability Organization, we believe in Just Culture and celebrate those who exercise their Duty to Speak Up! And, we've got your back if you need help addressing safety concerns.
So, it's okay for me to give it a try?
What is a safe way to interveneas a bystander?
continue
Try the Respectful Followership Algorythm!
Let's Review
These are a few of key ideas of Just Culture and the Respectful Followership Algorythm.
Do I have to follow the Algorythm in order?
A workplace culture that balances accountability with learning & encourages staff to report errors, near misses, and system flaws without fear of retribution
No! For example, if you don't have time to use the other tools before a harm could occur, take immediate action.
What should I try if the 3 W's don't work?
What are those 3 W's again?
What I see... What I'm concerned about... What I want...
Try the Four-Step Tool.
What's a Just Culture?
Which of these situations is a clear sign a Just Culture?
Which of these situations is a clear sign of an unjust culture?
Arrange the 3 W's as you could say them to Joey:
Arrange the Four - Steps as you could say them to Joey:
Congratulations!
You have completed this experience and brushed up on some tools to respond to unsafe behaviors. Remember that we all have a Duty to Speak Up if we are aware of any risks of harm. Speaking up, asking for help, and supporting others is always the right thing to do.
Home
Speaking Up for Safety
Gwendolyn McGahey
Created on March 31, 2026
High Reliability Organizations practice Just Culture and speak up for safety. Staff can learn more about the Respectful Followership Algorithm and Just Culture with this short game
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Simulation: How to Act Against Bullying
View
Mobile Use Simulation
View
Marketing Strategy Test
View
College Survival Test
View
Learning Style Test
View
Discover Your Professional Path
View
Cybersecurity Simulation
Explore all templates
Transcript
I'm Joan. Lately, I've seen something in a department that makes me uncomfortable… I don't know if I should tell someone.
A Silly Practice for a Serious Topic:
I'm John, a High Reliability Organization ambassador. My goal is to help make the VA Health Care System a safe place for Veterans and staff.
Let's Talk Speaking Up for Safety
start
Joan witnessed how a coworker, Joey, constantly slides down the rail in the main stairwell, even when he's escorting a Veteran. Although at first it seemed like a "joke," she has noticed that his team seems increasingly uncomfortable. Joan has decided to talk to John, an HRO Ambassador, to find out what she can do.
continue
John, do you have a minute? I'm worried about something that's happening in one of our departments . . .
Sure, Joan. I am here to help you. What's been happening?
We have this coworker, Joey. He slides down the stair rail every day. Staff in his department have tried to speak up, but I think they are having a hard time.
Thank you for telling me. What you describe could be a sign of an unjust culture, where staff don't feel safe to speak up. Do you know what they have tried?
Well… what I've seen is that staff seem concerned, but they say that Joey will ignore them and they worry they'll get in trouble if they speak to anyone else - so they haven't.
These reactions suggest that the team isn't familiar with the Respectful Followership Algorythm, and they may need to be reminded about our Just Culture.
I thought about telling them about the Respectful Followership Algorythm, or giving it a try with Joey myself, but I was afraid I'd get it wrong.
It's normal to feel nervous about speaking up. The important thing is to speak up respectfully, and continue speaking up until the safety risk is addressed.
Remember that Just Cultures . . .
continue
Remember, as a High Reliability Organization, we believe in Just Culture and celebrate those who exercise their Duty to Speak Up! And, we've got your back if you need help addressing safety concerns.
So, it's okay for me to give it a try?
What is a safe way to interveneas a bystander?
continue
Try the Respectful Followership Algorythm!
Let's Review
These are a few of key ideas of Just Culture and the Respectful Followership Algorythm.
Do I have to follow the Algorythm in order?
A workplace culture that balances accountability with learning & encourages staff to report errors, near misses, and system flaws without fear of retribution
No! For example, if you don't have time to use the other tools before a harm could occur, take immediate action.
What should I try if the 3 W's don't work?
What are those 3 W's again?
What I see... What I'm concerned about... What I want...
Try the Four-Step Tool.
What's a Just Culture?
Which of these situations is a clear sign a Just Culture?
Which of these situations is a clear sign of an unjust culture?
Arrange the 3 W's as you could say them to Joey:
Arrange the Four - Steps as you could say them to Joey:
Congratulations!
You have completed this experience and brushed up on some tools to respond to unsafe behaviors. Remember that we all have a Duty to Speak Up if we are aware of any risks of harm. Speaking up, asking for help, and supporting others is always the right thing to do.
Home