During National Safety Week, hostage-negotiator-turned-consultant Dan Oblinger delivered one of the most impactful workshops we’ve hosted—full stop. His core message: if we want safer jobsites and stronger teams, we must adopt, adapt, and apply active listening. Humans are storytellers; when people feel safe to share their stories, we ask better questions and get better results. Dan pressed us to build pastoral connections—seeing the human before the job title—because without genuine connection, there’s no real relationship to influence.

He mapped a simple progression we can use on every project: Connection → Active Listening → Empathy → Rapport → Influence → Collaboration. It’s not soft stuff; it’s the center of every hard result. The response? A standing ovation. We’re exploring a follow-up session because this is the skill that powers all the others—negotiation, networking, safety, leadership, and performance.

Top Takeaways

• Stories first. Stories lower defenses and surface what really matters.
• Listen like a pro. Suspend your rebuttal; reflect, label, and summarize before you ask for action.
• Make “pastoral” connections. Care personally; people move when they feel seen.
• Questions beat assumptions. “What’s the real challenge for you here?” unlocks clarity and trust.
• Rapport is a safety tool. High-trust crews speak up early—before small hazards become big incidents.
• Influence follows empathy. Earn the right to be heard by proving you’ve heard them.

Try This This Week

• Run a 5-minute “story round.” Open your next huddle with: “Tell us one thing that’s making your job easier/harder today.”
• Use the 3-step listen. Reflect their words, name the feeling, summarize the ask—then respond.
• One pastoral touch. Ask one teammate a non-work question and remember the answer. Bring it back tomorrow.

Why It Matters

Communication is the multiplier. Most “technical” misses—poor handoffs, weak negotiations, fuzzy scopes, safety lapses—trace back to how (or whether) we listened. Training isn’t a luxury; it’s how we protect people, budgets, and reputations.

Kelly’s Note: 



I’m not easy to impress after four decades of programs, but this one? One of the best I’ve experienced. The standing ovation said the quiet part out loud—we need more of this. We’d like to bring Dan back for an advanced, hands-on session (role-plays, field scenarios, and supervisor toolkits). If your team wants in, say the word and we’ll prioritize seats.

Stepping into leadership is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve just been promoted, are leading a project team, or are taking on your first big management role, one of the biggest challenges is finding your voice. How do you balance confidence with humility? Authority with authenticity?

The good news: confidence as a leader isn’t something you’re born with. It’s something you build, step by step. Here’s how new leaders can begin shaping their leadership voice and leading with assurance.

The Challenges New Leaders Face

If you feel a little out of place, you’re not alone. Most new leaders wrestle with:

• Pressure to perform—wanting to prove yourself immediately.
• Shifting relationships—navigating peers who now report to you.
• Balancing roles—being approachable while still setting expectations.



Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them.

Building Confidence from Within

Confidence begins with knowing your strengths and what you bring to the table. Developing self-awareness is equally important as it can identify places where you can grow. Your communication style is a good place to start. The way you communicate through tone, body language, and presence can have a profound impact on how others perceive you. When you ground yourself in your abilities and remain open to growth, your leadership voice starts to emerge naturally.

Finding and Using Your Voice

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Setbacks are an unfortunate part of life; missed deadlines, unexpected changes, or personal struggles. What defines success isn’t avoiding these challenges, but how well we bounce back from them. That’s where resilience comes in. Resilient people adapt, recover, and often grow stronger in the process.

Why Resilience Matters

Resilience helps us manage stress, protect our mental health, and maintain performance under pressure. In the workplace, resilient individuals inspire confidence and stability, especially during times of uncertainty.

Myths About Resilience

There’s a common belief that resilient people never struggle or that resilience is something you’re simply born with. Resilience is a skill! And like any skill, it can be learned and strengthened over time.

How to Build Resilience

Practical strategies make a big difference:

• Reframe setbacks as opportunities to learn.
• Prioritize self-care through rest, healthy routines, and movement.
• Lean on support networks—mentors, peers, or friends who provide perspective and encouragement.
• Stay flexible and open to change, even when plans shift unexpectedly.

Resilience at Work

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