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.

• 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.

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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This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

In this episode, Danny Raines, CUSP, joins the show to discuss the critical transition from being a crew member to a leader in the utility industry. Drawing from his extensive career—from journeyman lineman to safety consultant—Danny explores the challenges of supervision, such as navigating generational differences and the importance of communication skills. The conversation delves into the "glass house" effect, highlighting how a leader's actions on and off the job, including on social media, influence safety culture. Danny also breaks down different leadership styles, advocating for servant leadership as the most effective approach for modern crews.

Buy Danny's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Ole-Lineman-learning-Journeyman-ebook/dp/B0FXN6G7V8/ref

• The Difficulty of Transition: Moving from a "doer" to a leader is a long road because it is often easier to do the job yourself than to get others to do it according to expectations.
• The "Glass House" Effect: Leaders must realize they are always being watched by their crew and peers. This extends to social media, where liking or interacting with unsafe content can undermine a leader's credibility and influence new apprentices negatively.
• Servant Leadership: The most successful leadership style is "servant leadership," defined by Danny as never asking a crew member to do something the leader hasn't done or isn't willing to help with.
• Admitting Knowledge Gaps: Leaders should never "blow smoke" or pretend to know everything. If a leader doesn't know the answer, they should admit it, pause the work, and find the correct information to maintain trust.
• Generational Awareness: Effective leadership requires understanding generational differences (e.g., Baby Boomers vs. Millennials) and adapting communication styles to different personality profiles.
• Succession Planning: A vital first step for any new supervisor is to identify and mentor the person who will eventually replace them.

1. What inspired Danny Raines to write his recent article on leadership? Danny was inspired by reflecting on his own career progression from a crew member to various leadership roles, as well as a book written by his pastor titled Yes, I Can, which resonated with his experiences of rising to new challenges.

2. How does Danny define the "Glass House" concept in leadership? The "Glass House" means that a leader is constantly under observation. Everything they do, whether on the job site or on social media, is seen by others, and mistakes or endorsements of unsafe behavior (even online) can negatively influence the workforce.

3. What are the four main leadership styles discussed in the podcast? Danny identifies four primary styles: Autocratic (authority-based), Democratic (voting/consensus-based), Bureaucratic (rule-governed), and Servant Leadership (leading by example and support).

4. Why is "Servant Leadership" preferred over the "Autocratic" style in today's workforce? While autocratic leadership ("my way or the highway") was common in the past, it creates friction, especially with younger generations. Servant leadership fosters better buy-in because the leader reasons with the crew, explains the "why," and proves they are willing to do the work themselves.

5. What should a leader do if they encounter a situation they don't understand? They should immediately stop and admit they aren't sure, rather than acting like they know. Danny advises saying, "I'm not real sure about this, but let me check and I'll get right back with you," to avoid breaking trust or causing safety issues.

6. What is Danny’s "one piece of advice" for new leaders? His advice is "Don't rush it." Leadership takes time and experience to build. He urges new leaders to be humble, learn as they go, and seek advice rather than expecting to know everything immediately.

#UtilitySafety #LeadershipDevelopment #LinemanLife #ServantLeadership #SafetyCulture #CUSP

Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

________________________________

This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!