A rather well-known “management consultant” back in the ’70s and ’80s was Forrest H. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Kirkpatrick wrote a poem about leadership that hangs on my office wall. It pretty much sums up what being a safety leader is all about – even though Mr. Kirkpatrick meant for it to be a message to all managers.
Bottom line, it is one thing to “preach” safety and an entirely different approach when one “LIVES SAFETY”.
Safety Professionals MUST LEAD by EXAMPLE in ALL that we do, both at work and at play, but especially at work. Mr. Kirkpatrick sums it up all too well in these 10 lines:
The eye’s a better teacher and more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;
And the best of all the preachers are the ones who live their creeds.
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can catch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run;
And the lectures you deliver may be wise and true.
But I’d rather get my lesson by watching what you do.
For I may not understand you and the high advice you give.
There’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
Forrest H. Kirkpatrick