Challenge

In my organization I have teams of individuals who are in the blue collar category. These are folks with a  lot of experience in what they do and are almost set in their ways. In recent months my employer has  tended to insist on a non-negotiable, no compromise approach as far as safety, health and environment  (SHE) are concerned. As a result, the need for alignment was ratcheted with a view to make safety a  personal crusade more than ever for every individual. This was not supposed to be a daunting task, and  it was not, but it required understanding and coaxing to yield the desired results.

Selection

In order to assist the teams to understand where we are and where we wanted to go, the visualization  tool was almost a natural choice. This tool was used to explore the current reality to establish a  congruent understanding and consensus pertaining to existing safety issues. It was thereafter used to  generate ideas and highlight the desired end state.  Microsoft PowerPoint presentations were employed  as this allowed the flexibility of using photos, clip arts and graphics to drive the message home. This also  enabled a shared understanding of the what, when and how, regarding before and after requirements  and the applicability thereof.

On a similar note there were some elements of storytelling that accompanied the visualization, and the  shared personal experiences, with reference to images, this added the desired oomph.

Application

Several short presentations (7-12 slides) were prepared to address the different aspects of safety; each  presentation was given a mundane but relatable title (e.g. commuting safely, safe work place, safe  home, why safety e.t.c) as a curtain raiser to focus thoughts. This would then be followed up by a  participant observation slideshow format using text and pictures that are as close to their reality as  possible (i.e. familiar words, language, pictures, places and individuals they know and revere) if not  pictorial live examples. In the whole it was about ‘what is” and “what if” to sensitize and get buy in as  much as possible. The set up was always relaxed and semi-formal with some refreshments. The idea  here, being to elicit some valuable contemplation, leading to introspection and circumspection on the  part of the individual team members. This would all be in tandem with discussions, questions and  sharing of related personal experiences with some reference to the images.

The end state of this approach is such that it is effective for getting the team members to understand  and open up about their short comings and the need to plug the gaps.

Insight

Much as the idiom goes, a picture is worth a thousand words and Confucius postulates; I hear and I  forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. It became apparent that by sharing some of their  personal tales, allegory and “light bulb moments” could develop and it essentially builds confidence. The  intent is to create a permeating safety culture that is a lifestyle as opposed to a requirement at the work  place. For that the tales and allegory proved to be sustaining the efforts.

Approach

The choice of the visualization tool proved to be worth its salt as the intended purpose was primarily  achieved. The flexibility was fantastic and the shared understanding terrific as it became blatantly clear  that everyone could do more in his life at home, in the community and in the work place to improve  safety. The tool is easy to use and so user friendly and adaptable that it can be used conveniently  anywhere, anytime.

