05/11/2024
Give Them the Coffee They Want!
“A lack of a cup of coffee can hinder a positive safety culture and BBS performances: focus on your employees’ fundamental requests and experience the change.”
- Mdu Mathenjwa
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This short article is inspired by one of the brilliant leaders in the mining health and safety industry. Though I may not disclose his name, but the points he made as we were discussing the content I can use to address his employees made me realise how much of a selfless and employee-focused leader he is.
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The employees of Mdu Mining Resources had been facing repeat incidents for some time. After an intense Route Cause Analysis, there existed disengagement between leaders and employees across the hierarchy. The mitigating measures were applied, which included various undisclosed safety campaigns. Drastic positive change happened, and everyone was in harmony.
This positivity continued until Vusi, A.K.A Mavusana, a not-so-friendly but influential amongst other employees, made everyone realise that they have been asking to be supplied with coffee for refreshments, but they have been ignored for approximately three months across the hierarchy.
“If they don’t care about us asking for a cup of coffee, yet we were fully there in their multiple safety campaigns, then why would we care to comply with all their safety rules?” said Mavusana with his rough voice with KZN accent to his colleagues…
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I will not share what happened next but know that Mdu Mining Resources’ performances regressed again… all in the name of being denied a cup of coffee.
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This story may be hypothetical, but with my personal experience working at the mines and other chemical plants, including my current career as a Motivation Speaker on this subject, such is a real-life story.
Reflection to leaders: What seems as not much of a fundamental need for you may not be the same to the people you are leading. Be present and mindful in your space of leadership. Keep your fingers on the pulse of your subordinates and act promptly.
Then sit back and watch the magic of Zero Harm unfold.
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