"The effectiveness of communication is gauged by the results."

-- John W. Drebinger Jr.

There Are No Rules! Well Maybe One!

Throughout this paper I will mention that you must do "whatever it takes" to make your safety message heard. It is important to understand the context of that comment. I believe that people have the right to come to work without fear of being harassed or mistreated. Any sexual, racial or inappropriate references or stories are not part of what we do. There are an infinite number of ways to get a point across in an interesting or unique fashion and still be appropriate in the workplace. A good rule of thumb is that if you are unsure something may be inappropriate assume it is and leave it out. The doubt you are feeling just might be a hint from your unconscious mind that someone could be hurt by that particular comment. It is always better to err on the side of caution. My reputation as a safety speaker has been based upon the evaluation by others that my material is always appropriate and takes no chance of embarrassing the corporate clients I represent.

Given that basic premise I then approach communication with a great deal of flexibility which will be discussed later. There are no rules other than being appropriate in the workplace. It is important to explore and build on your skills and the best way to do this is to try new and different things all the time.

Taking Personal Responsibility Is Vital To A Safe Workplace

Responsibility must be taken in many forms to assure a safe workplace. In order to be effective in communicating safety concepts each one of us must take responsibility for our own safety. As safety professionals and managers we must also take responsibility for the safety of those people in our jurisdiction. You and I must also take responsibility for the effectiveness of our communication. The effectiveness of communication is best judged by the results you get. You must do whatever it takes to be effective as a safety communicator, trainer, manager, or fellow employee.

This can be a disturbing concept for some people. After all, how can you really be responsible for the way people react to your communication? However it is critical for you to take that position because once you do you can search for solutions which will create results. Staying in a powerless state immobilizes your mind and removes any incentive to solve the communication problems you encounter.

Even if you have trouble believing that you must take personal responsibility I encourage you to "act as if" it were true and your brain will do the rest.

"The effectiveness of communication is gauged by the results."

-- John W. Drebinger Jr.

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