Distraction Du Jour
Shawn M. Galloway
CEO of ProAct Safety, Inc., Trusted Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Keynote Speaker & Expert Witness
Distractions are an inevitable part of life, and even the most focused individuals can find themselves sidetracked. While it can be frustrating when distractions pull us away from a productive state, they can have dire consequences in high-stakes environments.
During a recent facilitated discussion among electric utility line worker leaders about managing distractions, one leader recounted a personal experience: "I was going through a difficult divorce. It was rough, and I really struggled to keep my focus. My foreman knew what I was going through and could see that I wasn't performing at my best. At first, I was angry when he decided to pull me out of the bucket truck for three weeks. However, looking back, that break was probably the best thing for my mental health and personal safety. I feel like he saved my life."
This leader's decision was rooted in a deep understanding of his employee’s circumstances—an understanding that stemmed from a strong relationship built on trust and open communication. Such connections are vital; when leaders take the time to know their team members on a personal level, they can better support them in navigating their challenges. By recognizing the factors affecting their employees, leaders can help enhance overall performance and most importantly, potentially avert serious accidents.
It's important to remember that distractions affect us all, but we shouldn't let them dictate our outcomes. When our minds aren’t fully engaged with our tasks, mistakes are more likely to happen—some of which can have severe repercussions. Instead of succumbing to distractions, we should strive to cultivate focus and awareness, creating an environment where leaders and team members can thrive despite life's inevitable challenges. By fostering strong relationships and open dialogue, we can empower each other to rise above distractions and achieve our best.
"When there are thoughts, it is distraction: when there are no thoughts, it is meditation." — Ramana Maharshi
"You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks." — Winston S. Churchill
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Next Session: 20 December 2024 (10:00 AM CT)
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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, Sirius Business Radio, Wharton Business Daily, EHS Network Radio, Safety and Health Magazine, EHS Today Magazine, ISHN Magazine, Safety Decisions Magazine, EHS Daily Advisor, Faces of EHS, and almost every safety-related podcast.
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.
Founder: Slip Safety Services | Author: Prevent Slip Accidents with Slipology ?? | Host: Safety And Risk Success Podcast ?? | Host: Safety Roundtable ??
1 个月Absolutely agree! Building strong relationships and understanding the personal circumstances of team members can make a significant difference in their well-being and performance. It's not just about being a good leader; it's about being a compassionate human being.