The epigraph of E.M. Forster’s novel Howard’s End is only two words: “Only connect…” In the book, Margaret Wilcox describes how difficult it is to reconcile the tension between “the passion and prose” of her two lives—the life of emotion in her heart and the life of reason she presents to others. She wants to connect with others and build meaningful relationships filled with both passion and prose, and she knows that takes work.
Oftentimes, you’ll hear me quip that I don’t like the word “employee” because it sounds too transactional. We’re something more to one another because real bonds are more fulfilling. I insist on calling people Team Members because the connection between the institution of U.S. Engineering and the individuals who are part of it requires both sides to work hard on building and maintaining trust. It’s not easy and is never perfect, but this concept of relationships underlies all our Core Values.
As an extension of that, we introduced a new line of communication for safety incidents. Rather than just “support” our safety program, I wanted to “participate” in it. I asked to be notified personally, within 24 hours, by a direct supervisor whenever we experience a significant safety incident in any of our companies. I didn’t do this to judge people, or because I thought our safety program was broken. I did it because there’s nothing more important to me than knowing our Team Members are safe every day.
When it comes to safety, there’s no rank or privilege and no prize for being safe unless you consider “not injured” to be a reward. In our line of work, the risk of being unsafe can be terminal. Nevertheless, the temptation to cut corners is real and not just to be more productive or profitable. It’s a mindset. I must be convinced in my heart that being late for dinner or my child’s game because I went back and got a taller ladder is better than never showing up again.
Our Best-in-Class safety program must demonstrate that safety culture beats technical training at every stage of the game. However, it is not a substitute for technical training. Both hold extreme importance. But culture is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. It’s based on trust and grounded in the idea that, like Margaret Wilcox, we can reconcile the passion and prose of our lives to forge meaningful relationships. In turn, it’s those connections that drive our culture and have an impact on implementing Safety as a Core Value.