We're not a couple of days removed from the terrible tragedy that happened at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, VA. Maybe now is the time to start having a conversation on safety and awareness.

In my opinion, there was absolutely nothing the police could have done to prevent the tragedy. However, also in my opinion is that there were enough telltale signs that this guy had some issues. He'd already been known by the police beforehand as someone who was somewhat disturbed. Also, some of his most recent writings so disturbed one of his teachers that she reported him to administration, so they knew something about him. Add those things to some of what his roommates are saying now, and I'm thinking that this was someone who was exhibiting a dangerous pattern of some type already.

Did anyone know he would go off and shoot a lot of people? Probably not. However, if the university had mentioned something to the police earlier, someone might have run a check and learned that he had purchased a guy about a month earlier. Since he had no other residence, this would have meant the gun had to be in his room or on campus somewhere, which would have been a violation of the campus code. That would have at least removed him from campus, possibly tossed him in jail or put him away for more psychiatric evaluation.

Being aware of sudden changes in a person is crucial in leadership. Sometimes you know what's going on because word gets out; death in the family, someone's getting divorced, sick child, etc. Other times, though, the behavior might not be as noticeable, but it's there. Suddenly a person isn't talking as much, or they no longer smile, or smile all the time, or you just get that vibe, which happens to me, that something has changed in that person's life.

Then, as a leader, you have to address it in some fashion, or get help in some other way. In my past, I've had to recommend that someone seek help from an EAP program, or I took the time to talk through something with an employee. I even sent one employee to an all day seminar because I valued her immensely.

Often, that's all it takes. And when it takes more, that's what others are for.