Humane Approach- Leadeship Traits.

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Over the past two decades, across various industries and functions, there has been a noticeable shift where common-sense approaches and genuine human interactions have been sidelined. The landscape of safety discussions seems to prioritize systems, processes, procedures, and technology, often relegating human engagement to a secondary role. Having dedicated nearly four decades to the field, with a steadfast belief in the pivotal role of human engagement in ensuring safety performance, I find this trend unacceptable. My experiences have consistently shown that a humane approach, centered on genuine human interactions, is the cornerstone for achieving optimal safety performance. In this blog post, I aim to advocate for a more balanced and effective safety strategy—one that places human engagement at the forefront, led by empathetic and proactive leadership.”

The missing Humane centric Approach to safety issues? Why?

The shift towards a more system-focused approach in safety often occurs due to various reasons:

1. Emphasis on Compliance: Companies prioritize meeting regulatory requirements, leading to a focus on implementing systems and processes to ensure compliance rather than emphasizing the human aspect of safety.
2. Technocentric Mindset: Rapid technological advancements might lead to over-reliance on technology to mitigate risks, sometimes overshadowing the importance of human behavior and decision-making in safety.
3. Complexity and Efficiency: Systems and processes offer a streamlined way to manage safety efficiently, especially in large organizations. However, this might inadvertently downplay the human element.

To address this imbalance and reintroduce the humane approach:

1. Leadership Emphasis: Leaders should actively advocate for a balanced approach that integrates systems with a strong emphasis on human-centric safety measures.
2. Training and Awareness: Conduct training sessions that highlight the importance of human behavior in safety. Educate employees on how their actions and decisions directly impact safety outcomes.
3. Inclusive Decision-making: Involve employees in safety-related decision-making processes. Encourage their input on improving safety systems while also considering their insights on the human side of safety.
4. Culture Shift: Foster a culture that values and celebrates human-centric safety. Recognize and reward behaviors that prioritize human well-being and actively contribute to a safer workplace.
5. Evaluation and Adaptation: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of safety systems while considering their impact on people. Adapt systems and processes to align better with human behavior and needs.
6. Communication Strategy: Emphasize the importance of open communication and active reporting of safety concerns. Create avenues where employees feel comfortable discussing safety issues.

By promoting a culture that balances technical systems with a strong focus on the human aspect of safety, industries can ensure a more comprehensive approach that values the well-being and contributions of individuals within the organization. This shift requires a concerted effort from leadership, employees, and the organizational culture as a whole.

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Humanizing safety involves shifting the focus from merely implementing programs and systems to genuinely valuing and prioritizing the well-being, perspectives, and contributions of individuals within the organization. Here’s how leaders can foster a more human-centric approach to safety:

1. Empower and Involve People: Instead of just rolling out programs, involve employees in the creation and improvement of safety measures. Seek their input, listen to their concerns, and empower them to actively participate in shaping safety protocols.
2. Cultivate Trust and Open Communication: Build a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retribution. Encourage open discussions about safety, actively listen to feedback, and take necessary actions.
3. Focus on Behavioral Safety: Understand that human behavior plays a significant role in safety. Instead of solely relying on systems and processes, emphasize behaviors that contribute positively to safety. Encourage safe practices through coaching, training, and positive reinforcement.
4. Recognize and Value Contributions: Acknowledge and appreciate contributions to safety initiatives. Celebrate successes, whether big or small, and highlight individuals or teams who exemplify a commitment to safety.
5. Develop Personal Connections: Leaders should take the time to connect with employees on a personal level. Show genuine care and interest in their well-being, which reinforces the idea that safety isn’t just a set of rules but a shared commitment to each other’s safety.

To avoid sidelining the human aspect in favor of systems:

1. Integrate Human Factors into Systems: While systems and processes are vital, ensure they account for human factors. Design processes that consider human limitations, behaviors, and responses.
2. Constant Evaluation and Adaptation: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of safety programs and systems by considering their impact on people. Adapt and modify these systems based on feedback and evolving needs.
3. Balance Technical and Human Aspects: Emphasize that while technical systems are crucial, they work best when complemented by a culture that values human well-being, communication, and active participation in safety practices.

By emphasizing the human element alongside technical systems, leaders can create a safety culture that is not just about compliance but also about caring for and respecting the people who are integral to the safety of the organization.

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Safety leadership encompasses various facets, especially when emphasizing humanistic aspects. Here are seven essential traits:

1. Empathy: A safety leader should genuinely understand and relate to the challenges, concerns, and experiences of their team members. Empathy fosters a culture of care and support.
2. Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial. A safety leader should be able to articulate safety protocols, concerns, and initiatives in a way that resonates with everyone, irrespective of their role or background.
3. Trustworthiness: Building trust is foundational. Employees should trust the leader’s guidance, decisions, and commitment to their well-being and safety.
4. Respect and Dignity: Respecting individuals at all levels within the organization is key. A leader should uphold dignity, acknowledging everyone’s contributions and perspectives.
5. Adaptability and Open-mindedness: In a dynamic environment, a safety leader must adapt to changes, new information, and evolving safety standards. Being open-minded to new ideas and feedback is crucial.
6. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex situations, identify risks, and proactively find solutions is imperative. Encouraging a culture of reporting incidents without fear of reprisal is part of this trait.
7. Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Prioritizing ongoing improvement in safety measures, training, and overall safety culture is fundamental. This involves seeking ways to enhance safety protocols and strategies regularly. Complementary traits could include:
8. Courage: A safety leader needs the courage to make tough decisions, prioritize safety over convenience, and challenge the status quo if necessary.
9. Patience: Changing a safety culture takes time. Patience allows for gradual but sustainable improvements.
10. Innovation: Encouraging innovation in safety measures leads to more effective and practical solutions to safety challenges. By integrating these traits, safety leaders can create a more comprehensive and effective safety culture that prioritizes both technical safety measures and the human aspects of well-being.

Strategising Humane Aspect:-

1. 
   Lead by Example: Safety leaders should embody these traits themselves. Their actions, words, and decisions should reflect empathy, respect, and commitment to safety.
2. Training and Education: Conduct regular training sessions emphasizing not only technical safety aspects but also the humanistic elements. Use case studies or scenarios that highlight the importance of empathy, communication, and problem-solving in safety.
3. Communication Strategies: Develop effective communication channels that encourage open dialogue, feedback, and reporting of safety concerns. This fosters a culture of trust and respect.
4. Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate safety-conscious behaviors. This could be through awards, public recognition, or other forms of appreciation that reinforce the desired traits.
5. Collaboration and Inclusivity: Involve employees in safety initiatives. Encourage diverse perspectives and ideas. This fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards safety.
6. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess safety protocols and systems. Involve employees in finding gaps and improving safety measures, encouraging a culture of continuous learning.

What Employees can do make themselves count in Humanising safety efforts?

Employees play a pivotal role in humanizing safety at work. Here’s how they can actively contribute:

1. Active Participation: Engage in safety meetings, training sessions, and discussions. Share concerns, ideas, and experiences related to safety. Actively participate in safety-related activities or committees if available.
2. Reporting and Communication: Don’t hesitate to report hazards, near misses, or unsafe conditions promptly. Effective communication ensures potential risks are addressed before they escalate.
3. Supportive Culture: Foster a culture of safety by encouraging peers to follow safety protocols. Be supportive and remind others about safety measures without judgment or criticism.
4. Personal Responsibility: Take responsibility for personal safety as well as the safety of colleagues. This includes following safety procedures, using protective equipment, and being mindful of potential hazards.
5. Continuous Learning: Stay updated on safety protocols and procedures. Attend training sessions, ask questions, and seek clarification on safety guidelines if needed.
6. Feedback and Improvement: Provide constructive feedback on existing safety measures. Suggest improvements or changes that could enhance safety in the workplace.

It’s essential to recognize that sometimes employees might not reach out due to various reasons such as fear of reprisal, lack of confidence, or feeling disconnected from safety initiatives. Leaders and organizations need to create an environment that encourages and values employee participation in safety efforts. This includes:

1. Open Communication Channels: Ensure there are clear and easily accessible channels for reporting safety concerns. Make it known that reporting hazards or incidents won’t result in punitive actions.
2. Training and Support: Offer regular training on safety protocols and provide support for employees to understand and implement these measures effectively.
3. Recognition and Involvement: Recognize and appreciate employees who actively contribute to safety. Involve employees in safety-related decision-making processes, seeking their input and ideas.
4. Leadership Example: Leaders should lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to safety and encouraging employees to do the same.

When both employees and leadership actively participate in humanizing safety, it creates a collaborative environment where safety is not just a set of rules but a shared responsibility and value that everyone upholds.

Let me know your thoughts.

Karthik

7th Jan 2024.

PS: Thanks to Dr Rob Long Blog post which triggered my thoughts, where he tries his best for Humanising Safety in every aspect thus keeping human being at center of action.