#6 Not helping people understand consequences are real and likely.
Have you noticed that everyone you see in Iraq seems to be taking personal protective equipment seriously? Every reporter, cameraperson, or technician there doesn't seem to ignore a siren or a warning. This is in contrast to what happens when someone hears a fire alarm in a hotel or office building. Quite often, they stay in place assuming it is a false alarm or no big deal. Sadly, on September 11, 2001 that complacency cost many people their lives. Since then, people have a better picture of the potential consequences. No one imagined the horrific events of 9/11, but now they can. I know since then I have caught myself saying, that isn't likely and then realizing that the old guidelines for what could happen have changed.
Looking at this from a motivational and communication viewpoint, there is something we can learn. If we don't think something is likely to happen to us then we won't take action to protect ourselves. It is no different for employees. If they don't believe it is likely they will be injured, they aren't likely to take the need for safety precautions seriously. The question is, how do you portray potential consequences in a way that people can imagine it as a risk to them? The key point to remember from a communication or motivation perspective is that people must believe in the posibility of consequences effecting them before they will take action. There are many ways to accomplish this.One is the use of stories, which I have covered in previous issues, which you can go to our website and review. In addition you could join me for my Third Annual Dynamic Safety Meetings Institute, October 8,9,10, 2003. For more information call Sandie Gilbert toll free at, 1-866-373-2464 or 209-747-2770.
Next week, I have found a great solution for Mistake number five, be sure to read it.
Have a dynamically safe day,
John Drebinger
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