What do you do if your team is facing safety-related conflicts and disagreements?

1 Identify the sources

The first step is to identify the sources of the conflicts and disagreements. They may stem from different factors, such as personal beliefs, preferences, habits, experiences, expectations, or pressures. Some may be related to the work environment, such as unclear policies, inconsistent procedures, inadequate resources, or conflicting goals. Some may be related to the interpersonal dynamics, such as communication styles, personality traits, values, or emotions. By identifying the sources, you can better understand the perspectives and motivations of the parties involved and address the root causes of the issues.

2 Listen and acknowledge

The second step is to listen and acknowledge the views and feelings of the parties involved. Listening means paying attention to what they say, how they say it, and why they say it. Acknowledging means showing respect, empathy, and curiosity for their perspectives and experiences. Listening and acknowledging can help you build rapport, trust, and understanding with your team members and show them that you care about their safety and well-being. It can also help you avoid assumptions, judgments, and biases that may escalate the conflicts and disagreements.

5 Monitor and follow up

The fifth step is to monitor and follow up on the progress and outcomes of the solutions and resolutions. Monitoring means tracking, measuring, and evaluating the safety performance and behavior of your team members and the work environment. It also means identifying any gaps, issues, or challenges that may arise and addressing them promptly and effectively. Following up means providing ongoing support, feedback, and coaching to your team members and ensuring that they adhere to the safety agreements and commitments. It also means revising, updating, and improving the safety policies, procedures, and practices as needed.

6 Lead by example

The sixth and final step is to lead by example and demonstrate your commitment and dedication to safety. Leading by example means modeling the safety values, attitudes, and actions that you expect from your team members. It also means being consistent, transparent, and accountable for your own safety decisions and actions. Leading by example can help you inspire, influence, and motivate your team members to follow your lead and adopt a positive safety culture. It can also help you build your credibility, reputation, and trust as a leader and a role model.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?