You’ve got everything ready and the safety meeting is scheduled to start in 20 minutes. The mechanics begin to stroll in. As always the back seats fill up first. In fact, before they will sit in a near-the-front seat a few mechanics search and find a few chairs stacked against the wall, unfold them and sit down as far away from the front as possible.
It seems that they would like it even better if they could sit out in the hall or in another room.
You don’t mind too much, you’re kind of use to it in fact. What does bug you is the group of four guys from the same crew sitting together, sunglasses on, arms folded, leaning back against the wall and ready to do–nothing!
WHAT’S A DEDICATED SAFETY LEADER TO DO?
First off, don’t take it personal unless, for a reason you know, the sunglasses gang doesn’t like you. Even then, don’t let it mar your meeting—go on with the show as planned. But don’t be naive or wimpy. I pretend they want to be a part of what’s going on. As I walk around and shake hands before my sessions I don’t avoid anyone. Often, by engaging the guys and gals in the back I win them over before I start my opening lines.
Your best weapon against the bodies in the back is to put on an engaging session that will overcome their negative expectations. Include them in a fun way. Yes, I mean include them on purpose. Don’t expect the back rowers to raise their hands and ask questions or gladly participate in a team exercise.
However, if you are ready for a sassy answer, ask them about something that they can easily reply to. Something unusual but that involves their hobbies, preferences, or other aspect of their life. Example: I sometimes ask these questions: “Are you married?” “How did you get married?.” “Where did you go on your honeymoon?” and then “Why did you get married” These questions and answers help me slide into the topic of “How accidents happen” vs. “Why they occur.” It also gets a few laughs. Before you know it, everybody is engaged.
If your meetings are fun, thought provoking and real, everyone, no matter where they sit or what baggage they bring in with them, will leave with positive feelings about the time they spent with you.
One thing that helped me immensely while I was a safety supervisor and trainer who regularly ran safety meetings was to believe that I was going to get “discovered” at each meeting. I acted as if someone in my audience, even if it was only two or three “union guys and gals” was going to go home and tell someone they knew (i.e. a rich uncle who was an executive at a movie studio) about my wonderful class and I would be off to Hollywood!
That hasn’t happened yet. But it sure has helped me turn the “bodies in the back” into living participants and on occasions even into fans.
How About You? What do you do to engage and inspire a group of tired, grumpy, don’t-want-to-be-here employees at your safety meetings or presentations. I’d love to hear about it.
‘till next time.
Richard
