When I coach leaders, I often hear that the image of wallowing stays with them long after I’m gone - even when they don’t feel like wallowing! Ultimately, the thought of wallowing moves their thoughts to intentions, and then, purposeful actions.
Even if we throw lots of money at safety, the one thing that managers, supervisors and workers really want is visible senior leader support and ongoing communications — on the floor or in the field.
One safety culture dimension does not get the scrutiny and attention it deserves – perception gaps in organizations. It can easily get overlooked, and create problems that relate directly to safety, productivity, and morale.
How many of you have lost your fight and bark for safety? How many of you have dialed back your efforts because you are tired or have been beaten down over the years? But don't you owe yourself and others your best- or a new best?
I’m not sure about you, but when I don’t sleep well, I can be pretty miserable. I’m not much fun to be around and I don’t work well – I can’t sustain my focus. We already know that sleep deprivation among workers is a billion-dollar problem across the globe. But how about the absence of sleep quality for your leaders – what impact does it have on subordinates?
Oftentimes, many of us like to discuss safety influence at the supervisory level where much can be accomplished to keep workers safe. But like you, I’ve seen what subtle actions can do when it comes to influence from the top – both good and bad.
In recent days, I’ve been thinking a great deal about humility. Oftentimes humility seems to become more prominently displayed when one is hurt, challenged, or broken in some way. On the other hand, I can’t help but think of the very best leaders I work with on a regular basis. Most are curious and open to learn. Where did that start? Where did it begin?
If you were paying attention to the news recently, you’d realize that more recent space history was written. SpaceX Falcon 9 successfully completed a food and cargo mission to the International Space Station, and returned a first stage rocket on a drone platform in the Atlantic Ocean.
In late March I attended the Indiana Safety and Health Conference & Expo in Indianapolis. I also spent time with my former West Virginia University (WVU) teammate and longtime friend, Oliver Luck. He was Academic All-America at WVU. Oliver is also a former NFL quarterback and well-respected sports executive who is now second in charge with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
I recently heard a saying that I really like, “the dog with the bone is always in danger.” Most all of us have a “golden dog-bone” within our organizations – whether it be sales numbers, market share, profit numbers, new product alignment, employee turnover rates, quality, productivity, and yes, safety performance indicators.
