March 11 2018
By: Terry L. Mathis
The term "elevator speech" has been around a long time. It refers to perfecting the right few sentences to describe something to someone in a short time, like an elevator ride. It has been used to describe new jobs, products, services, movie script ideas, and a number of other things. 
In safety, it can be used to define safety, describe a strategy for safety or share any number of ideas.
However, a powerful use for an elevator speech is to succinctly describe how safety supports the organization's mission. Many consider safety as a competing priority to the main mission of producing products or services. The goal should not be either productivity or safety, but rather safe production. Convincing everyone that the goal of safety is to enhance, not defeat, that mission can be transformational.
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.
