October 24 2022
By: Shawn M. Galloway
Does this sound familiar? Step 1. Recognize undesired safety performance. Step 2. Look for what worked with another company. Step 3. Plug into the company and expect results. Step 3. Scratch your head and ask, "Why aren't we getting the expected results?"
It is common for a leader in one organization to bring what worked into the next assignment. Nothing is wrong with that, as long as the program, process, tool or methodology is customized to the new business realities, capabilities and culture, and is supported by those involved with or leading the change. For example, if you look at one of the reasons Lean Manufacturing (which originated within the Japanese culture at Toyota) fails to implement in many companies in the United States is entirely because of commitment, capabilities, and cultural differences. Company A will never be Company B.
An organization must create its own practical and implementable roadmap toward what success looks like to them, with an understanding of the current capabilities and competencies, strengths and needs. It must decide on its unique destination and best course of action. Imagine a new CEO takes the helm and the investment community pushes the new leader on their strategy for increasing market capitalization. The response? "We are going to do what company x is doing." Copy or Plug and Play are never sustainable approaches to improving performance and culture, let alone achieving breakthrough performance.
"Any approach to strategy quickly encounters a conflict between corporate objectives and corporate capabilities. Attempting the impossible is not good strategy. It is just a waste of resources." — Bruce Henderson
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with." — Brodi Ashton
Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety, is an expert in safety excellence. With almost thirty years of experience, he is a highly sought-after advisor, keynote speaker, and expert witness. Shawn has become a trusted partner to leading organizations across various industries worldwide. He ranks in the top 1% of the most prolific writers in his field, having authored over 500 articles and several bestselling books. He also launched the world's first safety podcast, Safety Culture Excellence©. As a recognized authority in safety, Shawn has received awards such as being named among the Top 50 People Who Most Influence EHS and a Top 10 Speaker, among others.
He is a regular guest on Bloomberg, Fox News, The Daily Mail, Dubai One, U.S. News & World Report, Sirius Business Radio, Wharton Business Daily, and leading safety magazines and podcasts. Shawn also serves as a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, Forbes Business Council, and Fast Company Executive Board, enabling his influence to shape safety thinking and strategy at the executive level.
