January 27 2019
By: Terry L. Mathis
If someone asked you what your specific responsibility is relating to organizational safety, would you answer with a list of duties or a goal? It is easy to get caught up in the "doing" and forget the goal. It is equally easy to recite the goal-related platitudes of "keep people safe," etc. and forget the strategy and tactics necessary to accomplish the goal. Either of these is one-dimensional thinking and seldom results in excellent performance.
A true strategy directs efforts toward both goals and preferred methodologies. It often follows the RRR format: Roles, Responsibilities, and Results. It defines what each person should be, do, and accomplish. When you can ask anyone what they are doing to achieve safety excellence and they can elaborate all three of these dimensions, your organization is on the right path. The world is, after all, a three-dimensional place.
Terry Mathis, Founder and retired CEO of ProAct Safety, has served as a consultant and advisor for top organizations the world over. A respected strategist and thought leader, Terry has authored five books, numerous articles, videos and blogs, and is known for his dynamic and engaging presentations. EHS Today has named him one of the '50 People Who Most Influenced EHS' four consecutive times. Business leaders and safety professionals seek Terry's practical insight and unique ability to introduce new perspectives that lead to real change.
