Eduardo Lan
Eduardo Lan
Senior Safety Culture and Leadership Consultant
Momentum Consulting Inc
Embracing Error as Normal: The Leadership Shift from Blame to Curiosity
The principle that “error is normal” is fundamental to successfully integrating Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). It challenges a deeply ingrained aspect of human nature: the instinct to assign blame when things go wrong.
Recognizing and embracing this reality is essential for fostering a culture that supports continuous learning and sustainable improvement. Instead of defaulting to blame, which stifles innovation and creates a climate of fear, organizations should cultivate curiosity. Curiosity enables organizations to explore systemic drivers and develop more effective solutions. Rather than asking, “Who is to blame?” leaders should ask, “What can we learn from this?”
My presentation emphasizes the crucial shift leaders must make to identify systemic drivers and foster real learning and sustainable solutions. It challenges leaders to have the courage to pause and choose curiosity over blame. By examining themselves, along with the systems, processes, and culture that drive behavior, leaders can create lasting change. As the saying goes: Fix the person, and you fix it for now; fix the system, and you fix it for good!
Eduardo Lan is a recognized leader in the field of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) with a passion for transforming how organizations approach safety and operational excellence.
Eduardo holds a Master’s Degree in Organization Development and Change from Pennsylvania State University and has over 20 years of experience working with industries such as oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing. He has partnered with leading organizations like Southern California Edison, Chevron, and BHP, helping them foster resilient and high-performing cultures.
At the upcoming Safety on the Edge conference, Eduardo will present on “Embracing Error as Normal”, a session designed to challenge traditional thinking about blame and accountability in the workplace. Eduardo brings real-world insights into why shifting from blame to curiosity can create a more resilient, innovative safety culture. Eduardo’s presentation will provide practical tools and leadership strategies that emphasize the role of organizational systems rather than individual fault.
Attendees will learn about the Task-Based System for identifying systemic drivers, the importance of visible, heartfelt leadership, and methods like TEDS for engaging workers in meaningful feedback loops. If you’re looking to create lasting change and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization, this is a session you won’t want to miss.