Point & Call Technique

Screamed at top of my lungs to stop my kid before the road?who was running?crazy?towards his favorite pet store. I stopped and taught him how to cross the road using “point and call” method which I learned during my time in DENSO (Japanese automotive components manufacturer). I still remember?when my colleague first took me to the shop floor. We came out of the office and stopped before the fork truck aisle, he pointed his hand in each direction of the empty aisle and confirmed “OKAY”orally before crossing the aisle. At first, it felt silly to me! I asked myself, why would some one not cross the empty aisle but wait and confirm orally that , it is okay to cross. Later, I did learn about the Japanese technique “point and call" or Shisa Kanko ( in Japanese)

What is “Point and Call” method - This is an?industry safety technique mostly used by the Japan’s rail workers. The method involves - looking at an object, pointing at it, calling out the procedure, and then listening to the call. This mindful method is used to heighten a person's mental focus at the key moment and also instantly increase your attention; hence reduce the negligence and misunderstanding related accidents. This method is not to signal or alert others about your action but to focus your own attention.

Point and Call method is not only used for industrial operators but it is applicable everywhere. It can be used in our day to day life. Personally, I use this technique to check my pocket for wallet, phone, keys and orally say "good" to ensure they are in before I close my house doors. On few occasions, I have accidentally locked my house leaving the keys behind. Since then I decided to follow this technique. This can be used anywhere based on individual needs and there are no set rules of what is pointed and confirmed.

James Clear speaks about Pointing and Calling in his book - ATOMIC HABITS, "Strategies like Pointing -and -Calling and the Habits Scorecard are focussed on getting you to recognize your habits and acknowledge the cues that trigger them, which make it possible to respond in a way the benefits you". As we are getting back to pre-pandemic life, this technique can be helpful in any new habit forming. Point it out and get benefitted. Cheers.