INSIDE-OUT SAFETY

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Outside-in thinking is a back-to-front logical, rationally driven disaster in waiting. It's not safety driven but 'get the job done' driven. I should know. If you've seen my story you'll know how instead of being guided by a sense of purpose, I put “dare in front of care.” Because it seemed Rational at the time. I thought if I can’t access that 12 millimetre nut, perhaps I can remove my insulated gloves. Because it seems logical. I should have had an inbuilt safer alternative because it was habitual. I.e. safe work practices ingrained into my habitual being because it was more rewarding to be safe. Not more rewarding to get the job done.

If your workplace operates from the outside-in, instead of Inside-Out, starting with 'Why', (purpose and mission), chances are people will be making the most convenient choice because it’s the easiest solution. A rational logical thought out ‘What’ oriented thing to do. But logic and rational thinking doesn’t consider risk in the heat of the moment. Split second decisions are the Emotional brain’s job. Workplaces without a concise ‘Why’ guiding the Emotional brain will almost always seek convenience and shortcuts guided by the 'What'.

Most workplaces don’t have a ‘Why’ because identifying a ‘What’ is more convenient, and they settle for less. Defining a ‘Why’ and planning for a safe ‘How’ requires higher focus and commitment to excellence. Sure, it may require further training and experience, but intrinsic safety motivation from a ‘Why’ means a workforce will roll up their sleeves and carry out what’s required to be safe. It’s a small price to pay going the extra mile if you want to slash your incident and accident rates. Problem is, if you are a leader in a ‘What’ driven workplace it’s more likely you’re constantly begging the workforce rather than relying on them to take responsibility for their own safety. Thinking outside-in is not a safe option—yet without a ‘Why’, workers will choose it every time.