Throughout the TV series, Ted presents various characters with toy soldiers. Soldiers are given for a specific reason and in a specific pose. An example is the soldier with binoculars that star footballer Jamie Tart receives. The binoculars symbolize that Ted is “looking out” for him.
As safety leaders there are two big messages to learn:
How do you take action to demonstrate support for your team?
How can you use symbols to drive of safety performance?
DEMONSTRATING SUPPORT- No one in safety gets things done by themselves. It takes relationships. Safety needs to be generous in appreciation.
As a safety leader:
- How often are you talking with your management team about what they need?
- Are you helping them see risk differently (give them new eyes) and are you working with them to mitigate those risks?
- How are your actions empowering other leaders to show themselves as safety leaders (hint: it’s not about you!)
- How do you allocate your time to demonstrate that you have leader’s backs?
- Do you take time to genuinely appreciate your partnership with the line leaders? Hint: thank them in meetings, be generous in recognition, send thank you notes and use symbols to recognize their contributions!
Like Jamie’s army man, your line wants to know that you are looking out for them!
SYMBOLIC ACTION – The US Navy has a term “Bravo Zulu” which means ‘well done.’ I visited with FedEx Express and found they give out Bravo Zulu coins for exemplary safety performance. In Equitorial Guinea, Hess Corporation gave out ZiZi (Zero incidents, zero injuries) coins for the same purpose.
These recognition efforts have a few things in common:
- The tokens are not coveted by employees. The value is in the receipt of the symbol, not the inherent worth of the item.
- They are presented sparingly to make the recipient feel special.
- There is a conversation around the specific and significant value of the safety contribution or behavior.
- The use of the tokens is tied to a strategic imperative. Near miss reporting, stop work authority, upholding lifesaving rules, etc.
- Employees and leaders place value on the token and tell stories about the recipients and their actions.
Like the army man carrying a backpack that Ted gifts to Sharon (team psychologist), safety professionals need to help the line carry the load!
If you are interested in developing your safety team, consider running the Safety Professional’s Academy. Contact me to have a conversation.
If you have safety professionals who require coaching, please give me a call!
