How do you tailor safety communication and feedback to different audiences and contexts?

Es crucial mantener coherencia en la comunicación de seguridad al considerar a quién se dirige, cuándo y en qué contexto. No todas las audiencias reciben la misma información de la misma manera, por lo que es necesario adaptar el mensaje y el enfoque de acuerdo con las necesidades y características específicas de cada grupo. Esto implica utilizar diferentes canales de comunicación, seleccionar el momento adecuado para transmitir el mensaje y adaptar el lenguaje y el tono para que sean más efectivos para cada audiencia.

Tailoring safety communication and feedback to different audiences and contexts involves understanding the unique preferences, needs, and communication styles of each group. This may involve using different formats, channels, and messaging tones depending on the audience. For example, communicating safety information to front-line workers may require more direct and practical language, while communicating with senior management may require more detailed and data-driven explanations. It is important to know your audience and adjust your communication approach accordingly to ensure the message is effectively received and understood.

Every time I approach a worker, I try to have a nice conversation first, a small talk. It could be a sports chat, something about the weather, something to break the ice. I try to start gaining his attention and being pleasant to him. It is a way to make the person more open to listening to me and care about what I need to say and to make me understand what kind of language is appropriate to be used with him,

In my experience, adapting safety communication and feedback involves a continuous process of understanding, refining, and adapting. Knowing your audience and purpose is crucial, but so is using the right framework and seeking feedback to ensure effectiveness. Flexibility is key, as different situations and contexts may require different approaches. Being a good listener and remaining open to feedback helps foster trust and engagement, leading to more impactful safety communication and feedback strategies. Ultimately, it's about being responsive to the evolving needs and dynamics of your audience and context to drive positive safety outcomes.

Once you have a clear idea of who you are talking to and what you are trying to tell them, the next most important question your communications need to address is the 'why'. This is the emotional or reason-to-do whatever it is you are asking them to do. Find an emotional connect and present it at the right location. E.g. a strong safety message placed right before a worker enters a high risk area speaks to the person with the right messaging at the right time and in the right location.

The purpose of tailoring safety communication and feedback to different audiences and contexts is to ensure that the information is easily understood and effectively addresses specific needs and concerns. This involves considering the language, tone, and medium of communication, as well as the level of detail and relevance to the audience's specific situation. By customizing the message to fit the audience and context, it increases the likelihood of effective communication and ultimately contributes to a safer and more secure environment.

Different audiences have different interests. The ability to touch the point that is most valuable for your audience is very important to compliance with the subject.

Professional Audience: Provide constructive feedback that is specific, actionable, and helps the individual improve their performance or skills. Personal Relationship: Offer feedback in a caring and supportive manner, focusing on the impact of the behavior and how it can be changed for the better. Team Setting: Communicate feedback transparently, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Sensitive situations: Approach feedback delicately and with empathy, acknowledging the feelings of the individual and focusing on solutions rather than blame. Formal Evaluation: Provide feedback within the context of established performance metrics and goals, focusing on both areas of strength and areas for improvement.

One of the best ways to be effective in communicating is to be a good listener. Nobody knows everything. We can always learn something new or make something better just by listening to someone who is living a situation daily. It engages people to solve problems and helps you to find better solutions.