Improving Safety Outcomes through Storytelling
Large Southeastern Utility
Utilities
Following a series of safety incidents, we trained operational leaders to use storytelling to share safety messages. After these leaders embedded storytelling into their safety meetings, the client experienced a significant reduction in safety incidents.
Following a series of safety incidents, we trained operational leaders to use storytelling to share safety messages. After these leaders embedded storytelling into their safety meetings, the client experienced a significant reduction in safety incidents.
The final solution included a workshop where leaders were coached in small groups to identify and share their personal safety stories, many of which were incredibly powerful… for example calling an injured/deceased wife or mom to notify them, visiting an injured colleague in the hospital, losing a family member or friend to a safety incident, nearly dying themselves. In the workshop, we coached them on how to structure and deliver their story to maximum impact, including how to tie it to a specific ask around safety to encourage commitment to safety precautions.
Following the workshop, leaders received 1:1 virtual coaching sessions with each leader to help them practice, improve, and adapt their story to deliver during the leadership roadshow.
Outcomes (reported from participating operational leaders):
Achieved a significant 43% improvement in storytelling skills, which directly contributed to measurable and enduring enhancements in safety outcomes.
Participants reported an impressive 100% confidence in their storytelling ability, which has led to a substantial increase in the use of storytelling as a powerful tool for change.
This newfound confidence and skill in storytelling have fostered improved trust between office and field workers, creating a more cohesive and understanding work environment.
The program has initiated a lasting cultural shift in safety dialogues, with a strong emphasis now placed on the sharing of safety stories, further enhancing the safety culture within the organization.
Tags
executive coaching, team training, energy and utilities