What Adds Value

June 17 2018
By: Terry L. Mathis

Strategy is a way to win through adding value. In safety, there are many things that could add value to the efforts. Sadly, most organizations don't measure these things and, by default, become dependent on lagging indicators. While lagging indicators are descriptive, they are not prescriptive. They don't tell you how to get better. In today's business climate, the most successful organizations are the ones growing. Growth adds value.

What Adds Value

What should grow in safety? Competence in job skills should be consistently growing. Do you measure this? Alignment with strategic targets should be growing (i.e. perceptions, values, practices). Do you measure these? Compliance with rules and procedures, adoption of prescribed leadership skills, better quality safety training, and more effective safety meetings, all should be advancing and growing. It is time we quit asking what leading indicators we can measure and start measuring the growth of the factors that make safety excellence a reality.


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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