In this short but pointed episode, Dr. Ayers warns safety professionals against becoming what he calls a “Seagull Safety Professional.” The metaphor is simple and memorable: A seagull swoops into a workplace, squawks loudly about everything that’s wrong, steals a good idea, and then flies away — leaving frustration behind and no real improvement.
Dr. Ayers describes seagull‑style safety professionals as those who:
Drop into a facility only long enough to criticize
Point out problems without offering solutions
Fail to build relationships or understand context
Take credit for others’ ideas or work
This behavior damages trust and undermines the credibility of the safety function.
The episode emphasizes that real safety leadership requires:
Listening before speaking
Understanding the work and the people doing it
Collaborating on solutions rather than dictating them
Giving credit where it’s due
Being present consistently, not just during audits or crises
Seagull behavior creates resentment and resistance. Supportive, engaged safety leadership creates partnership, ownership, and long‑term improvement.
Don’t swoop in — show up consistently.
Don’t criticize — coach and collaborate.
Don’t steal ideas — celebrate them.
Don’t fly away — follow up and support.
