How to Protect the Voices Your Organization Needs the Most

Before you run out of air

Part Two of Modern Canaries: The Voices You Need the Most

The canaries that could save your organization have gone silent. I hope it’s not too late.

For centuries, coal miners carried canaries into dark tunnels as early warning systems. When toxic gases reached dangerous levels, these birds reacted immediately. They’d stop singing or fall from their perches, giving miners precious minutes to escape.

Today’s organizational canaries face a different kind of danger. Instead of toxic gases, they’re exposed to toxic cultures where leaders dismiss warnings that challenge their views or authority.

These voices don't demand radical changes. They simply identify incipient threats before they become catastrophic failures. They spot the weak signals others miss or dismiss.

Modern canaries are vital to improving – and even saving – your business. They might appear in the form of a colleague who flags team morale issues, an engineer who minors flaws before they escalate, or a strategist who senses lead…