Avoiding Safety Conversations
Shawn M. Galloway
CEO of ProAct Safety, Inc., Trusted Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker & Expert Witness
A large plant in the United States had been an OSHA VPP (Voluntary Protection Program) Star site for many years. They were coming up for renewal. Corporate leadership felt the culture under current leadership was going in the wrong direction. They hired me to find out. They were right.
I have led hundreds of similar projects to determine the current state of culture and what the focus needs to be on for continuous improvement. I will never forget this one lady and what she said to me.
During one focus group conversation led across the plant, we landed on the topic of safety conversations and feedback. When asked what the safety conversations were like and what was discussed, an hourly associate responded: "You know, I'll be retiring in a few months after thirty years here. The only time they talked to me about safety was when I'd done something wrong. Just once before I retire, I wish they would tell me when I've done something right." Unfortunately, safety was a conversation this employee avoided, not something she sought out.
Performance feedback conversations within a company can be seen as either neutral, good, or bad, depending on how they are conducted and perceived by employees. In the case of the plant mentioned earlier, the feedback on safety was primarily negative, which had a detrimental impact on the employee's perception of leadership and overall safety culture.
Conversations within a company play a crucial role in shaping its culture. Positive and constructive feedback conversations can increase employee motivation, boost morale, and drive continuous improvement. On the other hand, negative or lack of feedback can lead to disengagement, low morale, potentially unsafe work environments, and poor safety cultures.
It is essential for organizations to foster a culture of open and honest communication, where feedback, both positive and constructive, is given regularly and in a constructive manner. By encouraging feedback conversations that focus on recognizing achievements, celebrating successes, and providing constructive criticism when needed, companies can create a culture that values continuous improvement and prioritizes the well-being and safety of its employees.
What conversations are shaping the culture within your company? Are they fostering a positive and constructive environment, or are there areas that need improvement? It is crucial to reflect on the feedback conversations taking place and ensure they are contributing to a culture of safety, respect, and continuous growth.
"One good conversation can shift the direction of change forever." - Linda Lam
"Positive reinforcement changes behavior for the better, while criticism stabilizes negative behaviors and blocks change." - Virginia H. Pearce
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Shawn M. Galloway is the CEO of the global consultancy ProAct Safety. With over twenty years of experience in safety systems, strategy, culture, leadership, and employee engagement, he is a trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and expert witness. He is the author of several bestselling books and has multiple regular columns in leading magazines, with over 400 articles and 100 videos to his credit. He also created the first safety podcast, Safety Culture Excellence, with over 800 episodes.
As a leading and globally recognized expert on safety excellence, he has helped hundreds of organizations within every primary industry achieve and sustain excellence in performance and culture. He has been interviewed and a guest on Fox News, EHS Network Radio, Safety and Health Magazine, EHS Today Magazine, ISHN Magazine, Safety Decisions Magazine, EHS Daily Advisor, Faces of EHS, Wild World of Safety Podcast, EHS Daily Advisor Podcast, Utility Safety Podcast, The Case for Safety Podcast, Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast, On the Safe Side Podcast, and many more.
Shawn's passion, dedication, and significant contributions to the safety field have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including Global Safety Excellence Expert, Power 101 Leaders of the EHS World, Top 50 People Who Most Influenced EHS, Top 40 Rising Stars, and Top 11 Health and Safety Influencers. His influence is felt globally, and his status as an esteemed Avetta Distinguished Fellow and Advisor to Harvard Business Review, further underscores his expertise and makes his perspectives highly sought after.
Security Consultant | Workplace Violence & Threat Specialist | Preventing Violence & Creating Safer, More Productive Workplaces
2 个月Thank you for sharing this insightful article. The story about the retiring employee really struck a chord with me. It underscores the critical need for positive reinforcement in safety conversations. In my experience, recognizing and celebrating employees’ achievements can significantly boost morale and foster a culture of continuous improvement. It’s essential for leadership to create an environment where feedback is not just about correcting mistakes but also about acknowledging and encouraging good practices. This approach not only enhances safety but also builds trust and engagement within the team.