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 M. Galloway is the CEO of ProAct Safety and an advisor to leading organizations across all major industries. With over twenty years of experience in safety systems, strategy, culture, leadership, and employee engagement, he is a trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and expert witness.
He is the author of several bestselling books and has multiple regular columns in leading magazines, with over 400 articles and 100 videos to his credit. He also created the first safety podcast, Safety Culture Excellence, with over 800 episodes. Shawn has received numerous prestigious accolades and has been featured in Power 101 Leaders of the EHS World, Top 50 People Who Most Influenced EHS, Top 40 Rising Stars, Top 11 Health and Safety Influencers, and Top 10 Speakers.
He serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and the Fast Company Executive Board. He has appeared as a 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, reinforcing his status as an authority in the field of safety excellence.
For more information, call +1.936.273.8700 or email info@ProActSafety.com.
