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A Different Angle on How to Approach Safety
Become an influential person: Get to know your co-workers; temperament, passion, and unique skills are clues to tailor how you approach individuals. No two people are the same, and once you get to know a person, you hold the key to positively influencing them.
Just arriving on a job site and don't know anyone? Assess the scene. As long as there are no immediate actions needed, this allows you to introduce yourself as a person who is there to help as part of the team, and not there to find fault. Connect on a personal level: ask how long they have been doing the work, where they live, what they have planned for the weekend, etc., and relay that information back to them about yourself. This facilitates trust, and once people establish trust, they can work together to move the needle in a positive direction.
Become a consistent person - Consistency compounds. Once people understand who you are and what you will and won't accept, you establish a framework. If done right, this will elevate everyone around you to at least the level at which you operate. Over time, consistency will earn you the game. The same actions and behaviors extrapolated over time define you, so it's important to self-reflect on your approach and how you represent yourself.
Become a leader - "Everything rises and falls on leadership." By definition, the word leader means a person who influences. This is not a responsibility reserved for CEOS, executives, supervisors, teachers, politicians, or the like.
All of us have daily opportunities and responsibilities to be influential in a positive way; it's a moral obligation.
We can't talk about leading without talking about the importance of staying positive. People are negative by nature, so it's a trait we all have to work against daily, especially in today's climate. Make a conscious effort today to compliment someone, or go out of your way to help in any way possible.
It's a fact, if you become a positive, trustworthy, consistent person. Then you will naturally become a person of influence, or in other words, a great leader. At the end of our careers, these are the things we will be remembered for. Enjoy the challenges!!!
Becoming an influential person involves understanding your co-workers' temperaments, passions, and skills. It's about personalizing your approach to each individual to have a positive impact on them.
When you're new, assess the scene first and then introduce yourself as someone there to help. Building connections on a personal level by discussing non-work related topics can help establish trust.
Consistency helps people understand what to expect from you and sets a standard of behavior that can elevate the work environment. Over time, consistent actions and behavior can define your reputation and influence at work.
Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial because it counters the natural tendency towards negativity. Leading with positivity can inspire others to follow suit, creating a safer and more supportive work environment.
If you notice negativity in your behavior, it's important to acknowledge it and make the necessary corrections. Being self-aware and adjusting your attitude can help maintain your reputation as a trustworthy and consistent person.
Challenges may include overcoming resistance to change, dealing with various personalities, and consistently maintaining a positive and proactive approach to safety and teamwork.