Observable behavior

Whether you’re using training, feedback, injury analysis, coaching or incentives, you should focus on behavior. Why is it important to focus on behavior? You can be objective and impersonal about behavior, unlike discussion on attitudes and feelings.

Plus, behavior is affected by equipment design, the management system, the behavior shown by others and various social dynamics. Openly discussing these environmental and interpersonal influences can lead to practical modifications of the work culture.

Behavioral observation and feedback are powerful techniques to improve behavior and attitudes, but other intervention strategies can also be very effective, such as behavior-based goal-setting and incentive rewards.

The principle that incentives motivate behavior change is not wrong. Rather, the way people use incentives to promote safety can be very wrong, and can do more harm than good. The key is to focus on behavior and you’ll be on the right track. Whatever the intervention approach, focus on behavior.