The Perception of Lip Service

June 26 2016
By: Terry L. Mathis

On several occasions recently I have had employees comment that leaders give lip service to safety but didn't really do anything to make it better. When I followed up with these leaders, they had done many things to improve safety and could recite a list of their recent actions. The problem was the workers didn't know about them.

Many leaders neglect to communicate their safety activities to their workforce. They cite reasons such as not wanting to brag or blow their own horn. However, failing to communicate is exactly what created the perception of lip service. They communicated their commitment to safety, but not their actions. Keeping workers in the know is important for many reasons, but this is another reason. Our clients with the most excellent safety performance communicate meticulously and any employee can easily remember and recite the latest safety efforts. Don't create the impression that you are all talk and no action.


Terry L. Mathis

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.





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