Redefining safety excellence: A new paradigm for leaders

Fast Company

2 days ago

In a world where the only constant is change, excellence must evolve beyond mere metrics; it must become a dynamic framework that includes resilience, foresight, and continuous improvement. We need to expand our understanding of what excellence truly means in the realm of safety, especially as we navigate an era marked by rapid technological advancements and unforeseen challenges.
WHAT IS EXCELLENCE?
At its core, excellence is the ability to achieve and replicate great results. Yet, many organizations define excellence through quantifiable metrics, such as sales figures, stock prices, and safety incident rates. While these figures provide a snapshot of success, they fail to tell the whole story. Excellence is not just about winning today; it's about sustaining that success over time, even in the face of adversity.
Consider the legendary UCLA Bruins basketball team, which dominated college basketball in the 1960s and '70s under the guidance of coach John Wooden. Their success was not accidental; it was built on a foundation of understanding, principles, and meticulous preparation. Wooden didn't just coach his players on the court; he taught them the importance of every detail, even down to how they tied their shoes to prevent blisters. This commitment to process and understanding is the hallmark of true excellence.
THE EVOLVING DEFINITION OF EXCELLENCE
To redefine safety excellence, we must embrace a four-part framework:
1. Achieving And Repeating Great Results
This is the bedrock of excellence. Organizations should aim for a track record of outstanding performance, not just sporadic successes. But achieving results is only half the battle. Understanding how those results were achieved is crucial.
2. Understanding The 'How'
Success should never be left to chance. If a pharmaceutical company develops a blockbuster drug, it must understand the science behind its formulation and the market dynamics that influence its sales. This knowledge allows for the replication of success in future endeavors.
3. System Capacity—Building Resilience
In an unpredictable world, organizations must be prepared to handle both known and unknown risks. The NASA space shuttle program served as a prime example. Engineers designed shuttles with extra fuel to provide a second chance during reentry, recognizing that unforeseen circumstances could occur. Safety leaders should incorporate similar resilience into their operations to equip themselves for the unexpected.
4. Maintaining A Mindset Of Continuous Improvement
Complacency is the enemy of excellence. Organizations must cultivate a culture of 'positive discontent' by always striving for better practices rather than resting on past achievements. This can be achieved by regularly reviewing and updating processes, akin to a 'someday' file where unresolved issues are periodically revisited.
LESSONS FROM THE PAST
History is replete with cautionary tales of organizations that once flourished but failed to adapt. Consider Blockbuster, which dominated the video rental market only to be eclipsed by Netflix, or Toys 'R' Us, which vanished despite its history of success. The lesson is clear: Excellence today does not guarantee excellence tomorrow.
In the safety domain, incidents such as the 2020 fatal explosion at Watson Grinding and Manufacturing, fifteen minutes from my home, highlight the catastrophic consequences of neglecting the unforeseen. Organizations must not only excel in their day-to-day operations, but also be prepared to respond effectively to crises.
Redefining safety excellence requires a cultural shift within organizations. Here are some actionable strategies to foster a culture of excellence:
Engage Employees
Create an environment where every employee feels empowered to contribute to safety practices. Encourage them to voice concerns and suggest improvements. This invites them to be active participants while instilling a sense of shared ownership in the journey toward excellence.
Implement Regular Training
Continuous education and training ensure that employees are equipped with the latest safety protocols and practices. Use simulations and scenario-based training to prepare for unexpected events.
Leverage Technology
Utilize data analytics to identify trends and potential hazards in real time. Technology can help predict risks before they manifest, allowing organizations to adapt proactively.
Celebrate Successes And Learn from Failures
Recognize and celebrate achievements, but also conduct thorough reviews of incidents. Use failures as learning opportunities to refine processes and enhance resilience.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
As you consider the state of your organization's safety excellence, ask yourself:
How is excellence defined in your organization?
On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your organization's current level of excellence?
How do you think your team would rate this same metric?
SUCCESS IS A PATHWAY PAVED WITH EXPERIENCES, NOT A FINISH LINE
In redefining safety excellence, we must recognize that it is a journey, not a destination. By embracing a comprehensive approach that includes achieving results, understanding the 'how,' building resilience, and maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement, leaders can create organizations that not only excel, but also thrive in the face of adversity.
In a world where challenges are inevitable, our commitment to redefining excellence will pave the way for sustainable success and a safer future for all. Since all progress begins with thinking differently, once we have established a sense of comfort in how we have defined success, it will be time to redefine it once again.