Meet Sarah and her Team
Sarah is a senior supervisor at a construction site, leading a team of seven. Sarah's team is competent but often disengaged during safety meetings. Sarah frequently finds herself taking the lead in discussions, and she often wonders if her team is even listening.
While her team understands their tasks well, Sarah feels the constant need to remind them about safety gear and procedures. She must personally ensure that they conduct new risk assessments, as required.
While they do report hazards, Sarah is frustrated that they could address some of these hazards themselves, but they often choose not to.
Meet Alex and his Team
Alex heads a team of four at a construction project near Sarah's site. Alex's team is proactive. They engage in safety meetings, and their discussions are focused on upcoming tasks and strategies to keep each other safe. They aren't afraid to ask questions or make suggestions.
Whenever there's a change in their work, Alex is confident that his team will conduct a new risk assessment. In fact, they often inform him about it and occasionally seek his assistance during the risk assessment process.
Moreover, they actively report near misses and hazards. Also, they often handle minor hazards themselves. Now, picture yourself leading such a team. Wouldn't that lighten your load?
Alex's success isn’t just by chance. Building a team beyond just ticking boxes requires true leadership skills.
Think of it as assembling a jigsaw puzzle. You have guidelines, but that doesn’t mean the pieces just fall into place. Being proactive, like assigning numbers to the puzzle pieces, can streamline the process, ensuring a perfect fit with less struggle. Here's how you can number your jigsaw puzzle pieces so that they fit in the right place every time:
10 Steps Towards Building a Proactive Workforce
- Acknowledge Safe Actions: Celebrate safe behaviors. Even a quick "good job" can emphasize their importance.
- Foster Dialogue: Turn safety meetings into interactive sessions. Everyone's input counts.
- Reward Safety Initiatives: Whether it's a certificate or a group outing, show that safety achievements matter.
- Ongoing Training: Keep your team up-to-date with the latest safety protocols.
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage team members to voice their concerns. Then, act on them.
- Lead by Example: Your commitment to safety sets the tone for the entire team.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognizing safety achievements boosts morale and underscores its value.
- Evaluate and Refine: Adjust safety protocols based on feedback to ensure they’re effective.
- Equip Your Team: From protective gear to training resources, ensure your team has the necessary tools.
- Track and Share: Use metrics to monitor safety levels and keep everyone informed.