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As leaders, what can we do to influence safe behaviour and lead by example?
Recently, we explored risk tolerance and the importance of influencing others to the right side of safety. Today, let's take a closer look at how our behaviours, as leaders, can influence those around us and help others make choices on the right side of safety.
I have a beautiful garden, and a special place where I go for quiet, thinking time. It is such a tranquil space, with beautiful tall Silver Birch's and Mopani Trees, a space where creativity can really flow. However, on occasion, when my neighbor's come home, there seems to be more negative and chaotic noise than needed and it is at that time, I head inside. This is the world my neighbours live in; this is their norm and a set behavior. To them, this behaviour is acceptable.
But what does this scenario have to do with leading others to the right side of safety? Simple: Observing how our behaviours and actions influence others, can set the tone and examples for what is and what is not acceptable in our society, our teams and our families. The Oxford Dictionary describes behaviour as: "the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially towards others". The Collins Dictionary states: "the action, reaction, or functioning of a system, under normal or specified circumstances". In Translation: The way we behave affects the systems we interact with – which in turn – establishes the tone for what becomes our ‘normal circumstances'. What excites me about this is that we have access to make an informed decision that can have a positive impact on and change unsafe behaviors and choices which have become considered normal circumstances.
As leaders, let's explore what we can do to influence unsafe behaviours that our teams may consider ‘normal circumstances'. Here are three tips:
Not only lead by the correct example but also live the example. As a leader, do what you expect of your team. So what do we do when someone points out to us, the leaders, that we have made a mistake? As leaders, what do we do when we get it wrong? We'll take a closer look at this topic in Part IV of this series. What questions do you have around this topic? Please leave your comment(s) below and one of our experts will get back to you.
Today's expert blogger is Nuala Gage, Senior Consultant, Sub-Saharan Africa for Intertek's Consulting and Training group. Nuala brings more than 10 years' experience in the industry of learning development and safety leadership.
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