November 14 2022
By: Shawn M. Galloway
In a recent executive workshop discussing the firm's plans for pursuing safety excellence, a leader had a necessary realization. The strategy development conversation moved from what was essential to the business to what the dispersed workforce needed and desired. He said, "Safety is local, isn't it?"
Strategic priorities will be necessary across the enterprise to advance any area of business or operational performance. Safety is no different. The company's various locations, departments and shifts all contain unique people. As such, each group is special and should be treated as such. Like motivation, what works to advance performance and results for one group doesn't always work for another. Global priorities are needed, and local priorities as well.
Globally, what one or two areas, if focused on, would help the entire enterprise move forward faster and provide more sustainable results? Locally, what do the individuals in the many unique cultures within the enterprise need to overcome the many hazards and risks they face? Know your people and what they need as a group and individually. Safety is personal. Make it so.
"Think globally, act locally." — Patrick Geddes
"We only know a tiny proportion about the complexity of the natural world. Wherever you look, there are still things we don't know about and don't understand. There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them." — David Attenborough
"We may freak out globally, but we suffer locally." — Jonathan Franzen
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.
