I recently cleaned out some files from my laptop and came across the documents I filed two years ago when I ran for Assistant Administrator of WISE. As I approach Administrator status, I thought it would be fun to revisit these documents as the group moves forward now under a new name and new society identity.
The candidate form required answers to 7 questions. I have not looked at these since I applied and they are still very relevant to me as a person, leader, and safety professional. They supplement my resume and any stories I’ve told about myself and my safety career path on this blog and in my presentations. My notes are in parenthesis and I am excited to add more to these lists over the next two years and beyond!
The first question asked me to comment on my leadership style and how it would lend value to ASSE (now ASSP) members (I still very much believe in the power of personal invitation for groups like ASSP):
My leadership style is democratic. I actively listen to identify individuals who do not usually participate and work on engaging them in a task or project that aligns with group goals. In terms of the Society, there are many members who, if personally invited, could contribute greatly to the future of the organization.
The second question asked me to describe strengths or expertise as a leader that I would bring to the role (I look forward to more participation from ASSP members with the new approachable Professionals identification, vs. what some considered an alienating Engineers identity):
I approach all situations from a learner’s perspective. I feel that this approach has enabled me to earn trust of workers and fellow professionals. As a former non-participatory member of the Society, I understand the importance of having approachable leaders in place. Such leaders ensure that the Society maintains a practical and relevant edge.
Question 3 asked me to list up to three key leadership accomplishments (I have definitely added to this list since this time, even though it is often hard for me to write about my own accomplishments):
Successfully implemented a supervisor accountability program for construction superintendents and foremen with nearly 100% compliance within one year.
Led an internal training team for fellow risk control consultants to maintain sharp training skills and updated training materials to deliver the best possible training to our clients.
Implemented the first health and wellness program company-wide that included a pedometer and exercise tracking component coupled with a volunteer component. The volunteer activity included Habitat for Humanity work in which we taught relevant safety information to all volunteers in addition to multiple days of volunteer work to advance the project.
Question 4 asked for two examples that demonstrate my organizational and decision making skills (As a consultant, it’s tough to answer this question as I often don’t get to see projects to completion once I’ve coached clients initially. I hope to add to this list as a Society leader!):
As a risk control consultant with responsibilities for quality of the team’s reports, I implemented a series of continuing education classes to proactively ensure that consultants brought more to the table for the client. The client has not lodged a complaint in over six months; previously, complaints were received on a bimonthly basis.
As a site safety and health officer on several large military projects, quick yet thoughtful and professional decision making was required on a daily basis. To better meet the client’s expectations, I raised the level of safety responsibility for foremen and superintendents to ensure the site safety planning was cohesive, collaborative, and efficient process. Each project won several safety awards throughout even heavy construction phases.
Question 5 asked for two examples of presentation and speaking skills that reflected positively on the Society and profession (Anyone who looks at my /events page on this site can see that I took this and RAN with it!):
Since 2014, I have made a conscious effort to speak more to professional safety groups. In preparation for Safety 2015, I began presenting to regional ASSE chapters in late 2014 to ensure a polished presentation the following year.
On the heels of several successful safety speaking engagements in 2015, I was invited to speak for diverse organizations in 2016 on the topic of safety including the craft brewing industry in their first-ever safety track at a national conference.
Question 6 asked for my involvement as a society leader (this gets into ancient history!):
ASSE Webinar Presenter: March 2016
ASSE WISE member: 2015-present
ASSE PDC Speaker: June 2015 and June 2016 (forthcoming)
Public Sector Practice Specialty: website content contributor 2014-present
Northwest ASSE: elected Member-at-Large 2012 (could not fulfill due to move), on ballot as Delegate 2016 (forthcoming)
Orange County ASSE: Secretary 2004-2005, PDC planning committee member 2005-2011.
Question 7 asked for awards or recognition for contributions to the safety profession within the past 5 years (I hope to add to this list in the very near future!)
First safety services company in the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild: 2015-present
Confirmed speaker for first safety track at Craft Brewers Conference: 2015, conference will be held May 2016
Reconfigured Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) Partnership program between Associated General Contractors of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry: 2011-2012
Associated General Contractors Construction Safety Excellence Award: 2010-2011, RQ Construction