Working With Upper Management

Presented By:

Tolmie Wachter, MBA/HCM, S.L.S.(ASCP)

The Importance of a Corporate Safety Culture

• It is imperative that the value of the corporate safety culture is acknowledged at all levels

• A positive culture allows partnerships based upon mutual trust and respect

• Upper management may require your educational efforts to fully acknowledge this value

• Once accepted, the likelihood of firm administrative and budgetary support increases your chances of successfully implementing effective safety programs

Reporting Structure

Board of Directors

CEO / President

Senior Executives

Operations Staff Support StaffAncillary Personnel (contractors, visitors etc.)

EHS Manager/Director

Justification of Proposals, Changes, and Expenditures

• Data and metrics

– Have them!

– Ensure accuracy & validity

– Clear and concise delivery

• Return on Investment (ROI)

– When assigning a value and return are plausible

– Include “intangibles” in benefits (e.g.- quality of life, workplace

morale, etc.)

– Potential costs of electing not to pursue

Communications Approach

• Well researched and thought out

– Have your facts straight and prepare to defend their accuracy

– Avoid unsubstantiated claims and conjecture or speculation

– Employ an inductive reasoning approach: use data from observations to support your proposal

• Anticipate questions and concerns

– Questions related to cost, feasibility and burden on production are to be expected, so be prepared to provide the answers

• Regulatory compliance is a given

– Never use fines, shut-downs, or statutory criminal penalties in a threatening manner to leverage agreement

– Emphasize the up-side of going beyond knee-jerk compliance

Additional Tips for Working with Upper Management

• Establish a rapport with upper management, as well as with general staff members and their supervisory personnel

• Insist on regular opportunities for communication

• Know the point to which you can proceed without being perceived as “a pest”

• Change tactics when an avenue of persuasion doesn’t seem to be working

• Enlist the support of recognized authorities

• Avoid “end runs” around the proper hierarchal progression

• At all costs, be civil, professional, and avoid making enemies

Questions or further discussion?