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There are differing and some very academic definitions for what culture is. I like – “the way we do things around here”. This is a chat about organisational culture and how it impacts on aviation and specifically helicopter operations.
Natalee Johnston spent most of her time in the Royal Australian Navy as a Sea King pilot. A fatal crash of a RAN Sea King ‘Shark 02’ in 2005 brought with it an increased focus on culture within that Unit and the larger Navy Fleet Air Arm. As Natalee progressed in her career through pilot instructing positions, Flight Commander, Fleet Air Arm Flight Safety Officer and SQN Executive Officer roles she was observer many of the changes and the programs put in place from the findings of that accident investigation.
Now out of the Defence Forces Natalee is taking that knowledge and applying her background in the safety field for civilian organisations with a focus on human factors and the influence of culture on company or organisation performance.
In this episode we cover:
- Natalee’s Defence career and how she got a start flying helicopters
- Culture – what is it / definitions / is it measurable
- Why it is important and its impact on safety outcomes
- What are the elements that make up culture
- What individuals or leaders can do to influence a better culture
- Culture as a competitive advantage
- Women in Aviation organisation – goals / scholarships
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Links from this week’s episode:
Support the podcast on Patreon
assimilatedsafety.com – Natalee Johnston’s consulting company
2005 Sea King Crash Investigation – the executive summary from the Board of Inquiry highlights some of the causal themes that lead to an increased focus on ‘culture’ as a safety indicator/opportunity.
Women in Aviation – Australian Chapter – information about mentoring, events and scholarships provided by this organisation.
‘Just Culture’ concept is mentioned in the podcast. The video below is an expansion on that idea.
Have a comment or feedback about Episode 80? Maybe you have some great tips of your own that others can benefit from. Be part of the conversation by leaving a comment below.