As we continue to work toward a safer, more productive workplace, we face various obstacles along the way, such as staffing shortages, the search for qualified workers, unrealistic completion date targets, environmental challenges and more. But one thing is certain in our daily work lives: how we approach those challenges and how we adjust to situations that impede our success will tell our story.

As a leader in safety for your company, you have the ability to turn challenges into positive results that benefit your organization and protect your employees. The question is, how? Have you made it a pattern throughout your career? Though the terrain may be rough, you have been developing the skills to ride through it since the beginning of your journey.

Making up your story

Your story has many chapters. From the early stage of learning the ins and outs of your job, to the progression into management and the legacy you want to leave when you retire, these chapters are the foundation of who you are.

The safety leader is charged with keeping employees safe and ensuring that the company complies with all applicable safety laws and regulations. This job, as you already know, is not completed alone. 

To achieve those goals, you must have the commitment from the top management and line staff. These are the folks that make the engine run. Without their buy-in, success can be hard to attain. Each problem and solution needs a teamwork approach.

Now is the time for some reflection. Has your story been one of continuous growth? Have you learned from your own training as well as from those who came before you? Have you sought ideas to solve issues from those that came after you? Do you feel confident that you have made a difference and can continue to make a difference? 

To grow as individuals, it’s important to continue to learn every day. How do we enforce the rules? How do we train new employees? How do we problem solve when confronted with a particular obstacle? 

Over the years, I’ve written about employee engagement, safety culture, future safety leaders, effective listening skills and several other topics. They all play a part in this development. 

Looking within

Today’s column is about you. You, as a leader in your field. You, as a leader in your company. You, as a leader of those that follow you. You can make a difference!

I believe there are times when we need to focus on  ourselves and measure how we are doing. We don’t have to be mental health professionals to do this—we just have to be honest with ourselves, and that can be hard at times. We need to ask ourselves if we have taken the time to explain the “what, why and how” of tasks. 

Do we seek the input of those around us—everyone, not just those above us, but those who actually do the jobs we are responsible for seeing completed? Do we walk the walk and set the example for others? You see, our stories are ever-changing, and each action we perform creates the chapters.

Some people reading this column may wonder, what is this guy talking about? Others may think that what I’m saying makes sense. That’s all good. The purpose today is to make you stop and think about you and how you want your story to be told. 

You see, you get to choose how your story is written and its impact on those around you and after you. I would hope that each of you take advantage of that opportunity and make the most of it. Stay safe!

stock.adobe.com / grandfailure