Last week, I read a fantastic article by Anne-Marie Maw on the canary in the coal mine. For those that wish to see the original source material, it can be found here: Canary in the Coal Mine (heyhandsup.com). I will add that there are a multitude of articles and for those seeking inspiration or perhaps personal reflection, this is a wonderful site to spend some time.

As another evening of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here came to an end, I called it a day and decided to head to bed. My wife states that I am a gifted sleeper. She doesn't frame it quite so positively, but the sentiment is the same. My head touches the pillow and off I go. On this particular evening, I couldn't manage to fall asleep. It is at this stage that my wife thinks something is dreadfully wrong and keeps checking on me. Eventually, I share my thoughts with her, and she suggests I grab my iPad, write it down and get to sleep. It worked!

The thought process on that evening was a really positive one. For those not familiar with the concept (the above article link is far more detailed), a canary was the bird of choice to help detect the presence of deadly fumes in the mineshaft. As a small bird, it was susceptible to gas poisoning at a much faster rate than the miners. If it fell off its perch, the next step was simple, run! In terms of leadership theory, it is suggested that in our workplaces we have canaries all around us. These are the people that we rely on to convey key messages. We can use them to test our ideas or practice the pitch of a concept. The canary doesn't lie, it speaks its mind with a view to sharing its truth.

I think back to the schools that I have worked in. Originally as a canary and then as a leader. As I type, I know my canaries. The mere thought of them brings a smile to my face. If I wanted to know where I stood with certain people, the canary could swoop in and help me. To be clear, I am an advocate of the theory and I love what it represents. I think I like it because it demonstrates that a leader is trying to connect and understand their workforce, that is a great sign in our modern world. If you didn't care, why bother having a canary at all?

None of the above is new. As stated, Anne-Marie does a wonderful job of introducing the theory for those that are unfamiliar. However, on that particular night, my brain took me in a different direction. An alternate perspective was formed and that is the purpose of this article.

Firstly, I have recently been lucky enough to complete Brene Brown's Dare to Lead workshop. I haven't tagged Brene as she isn't a connection...yet. Instead, I will acknowledge my facilitator, Debra Birks. On that course we discussed 'back-channeling' and I remember wondering if working with my canaries, I was guilty of partaking in a poor form of leadership. Following a discussion with the ever-insightful Nick Burnett, the difference is motive. It is about the intention. Working with a canary to help make the positive difference is not the same as 'back-channeling' to undermine or manipulate. Perhaps there is a fine line, and I have certainly wrestled with it after revisiting the canary theory.

Secondly, the inception of Lift Consultants is both inspired by canaries, but also to diminish their necessity. It was the ability to engage with the minority to support the majority that helped me establish my particular leadership style in a school setting. Yet, there is a problem.  Put simply: why can't we directly speak to the miners? This is the question that kept me awake. Similarly, why can't the miners speak to me? As a proud Welshman who lived very close to mines throughout his childhood, the culture of the Welsh village is something very difficult to explain. When mines were the height of innovation, it was dangerous to speak out against your employer. Losing your job or missing out on the pit supervisor position, could be the difference of life and death to your family. We are fortunate that today this seems far removed from the reality of most workplaces, however, asking the miners to share their thoughts takes courage. For a miner to speak up and give honest feedback requires a similar level of commitment. Moreover, how sure are we that they are telling us the truth as opposed to what they think they should say?

In history, and in the current workplace the canary is still crucial. They can provide the in-the-moment feedback and wellness check that help us make our decisions. It is when we consider the bigger themes of leadership, culture, trust, strategy and goal congruence that we have to look past the canary and seek engagement on a broader level. Let's engage the miners and give them a safe space to have voice and agency. Personally, this is not a survey, it is something richer and it is something more personal. It's a conversation and a process to help get the feedback that can make a difference.

This is our work. This is why we exist. We want to give everyone the voice of the canary. A deep dive and qualitative exploration of a community.

Finally, this is exciting, yet arguably scary work. That said, taking an elevator underground, working in a mineshaft whilst constantly checking the health of a small bird sounds far more challenging to me! That is the power of perspective.