How can we create a culture of understanding, communication, and learning that promotes safety, efficiency, and excellence in all aspects of work? Here are 7 simplified lessons from “The Field Guide to Human Factors” by Sidney Dekker.
👉 Human Error is Inevitable, But Can Be Managed 🤷♂️: Human error is like walking with a tightrope, where the risk of slipping and falling is always present, but can be managed with practice, training, and preparation.
👉Systems and Context Influence Behaviour and Performance 🔄: Systems and context influencing behaviour and performance are like being a chessboard♟️, with every move influenced by the position and dynamics of the pieces and players. What a resemblance!
👉 Blame & Punishment are Counterproductive 🙅♂️: Blame and punishment become ‘the judge’ 👨⚖️, where assigning fault and paying out penalties undermines trust, transparency, and learning.
👉 Understanding Frontline Work is Key to Success 🧑🏭: Understanding frontline work is like being a tour guide, taking the time to understand the challenges and opportunities of different work environments and roles. How good are our tour guides in aviation industry?
👉Communication & Coordination are Critical for Safety & Performance 🗣️: Like always, communication is key. Together with coordination are like being an orchestra conductor 🎶, ensuring that all instruments and players are working together in harmony to create a successful performance.
👉Attention to Detail & Situational Awareness are Essential 🕵️: Attention to detail and ‘situational awareness – SAW’ are like being a detective 🔍, piecing together different clues and sources of information to gain a comprehensive view of a situation. We need to enhance our SAW by enhancing other competencies.
👉 Learning & Continuous Improvement are Vital 👨🎓: Like in almost every context related to leadership, quality and human factors, Learning and continuous improvement are key. They are like being a student 📚, constantly seeking new knowledge, insights, and experiences to refine and hone skills and performance. We all need to be good students!
These lessons can help us all to can create a culture of understanding, communication, and learning that promotes safety, efficiency, and excellence in all aspects of work. 🌟
Don’t Sink 