“What are we doing this for?” – Jose Perez, Director Corporate EHS, Wonderful Co
Focus and understanding of what we’re doing provides the purpose and direction for why we lead. It gives our businesses and work meaning. In safety, leadership means safety for our customers: senior leaders and employees are our customers. Having an open door policy only means something if you go out that door: you can’t serve others if it requires them to come to you (well said, Jose).
Business and safety: many times the two clash; however, when the ideas of prevention are aligned with business focus, they become action.
While businesses have processes and procedures to accomplish the tasks that assure results, its leadership in allowing a positive culture to thrive that drives success. Positive cultures are safe cultures not only set by a safe work environment, they are set by people feeling it’s safe to bring up the tough things, not just what’s going right. Actions that demonstrate respect, trust, and value for each person’s contribution creates and sustains a great culture both in good times and bad.
To succeed in business requires tenacity and diligence. Success depends upon understanding the market and delivering the wants and needs in a manner that engages and increases uptake.