A video recently caught our attention on LinkedIn.

Experienced safety professionals normally have not just good stories, but good practical advice.  Watch as George Nelson Jr. describes how people mix up managing risk and leading people.

Transcript of the video is below:

So a lot of people get managing risk and leading mixed up. Through one of my recent conversations I had with a safety professional, he made a really strong point. He said, you manage processes, procedures, risk, but you lead people. And in my opinion, you can’t lead somebody from the office. You have to be present and visible on a daily basis, even if it’s just saying good morning, greeting people.

Two tips I have for growing your influence for any leader in a manufacturing environment, but especially a safety leader, bring in free food. So my safety programs don’t just go out empty-handed. They go out with gumbo from my parents, from my family’s soul food restaurant. And I started to bring in food during our monthly safety meetings. And because really, I wanted my people to eat good, but we bonded. And now it’s weird, but my team is similar to my family. They’re like my family. There’s no difference.

And then, tip two I would say, is be present or be visible at shift change and at lunchtime. So on a daily basis, I spend 30 minutes in the break room, in the employee break room during shift change and at lunch, really just trying to get a feel for the facility. Checking on people, making sure, greeting them. And that real pulse of the facility, I want to be in the conversations and just understand how people are feeling.

And then, they also see me refilling my water bottles and fixing a healthy breakfast. And living my words that I preach each and every day. So I get to grow my influence two ways. So if nothing else, as a leader, even if you got to come out of pocket, bring in some free food. And also, spend 30 minutes eating with your people. Checking on people during shift change and then during the lunch break. Thank me later.

George Nelson Jr, CSP is a full time safety professional with 8 years of experience in the field of Occupational Health and Safety.  He has a bachelors of Science degree in occupational health and safety management and has obtained a certified safety professional certification from the board of certified safety professionals.  George is currently a full time Environmental Health & Safety Manager at O-I Glass Company. 

You can find George in LinkedIn here.

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