SDW Training - Supervisor Safety - Keynote Version
What Will You Leave Behind
1. WHAT WILL YOU LEAVE
BEHIND?
Steve Wise
November 2010
Make a
Difference
Before
You Go!
2. What will You Leave Behind?
This presentation is directed toward anyone that is entering
the twilight of their Work Career.
I for one can be considered in this group – and can say that I
have been blessed with a wonderful career.
I have worked for a great organization for my entire career –
o It has provided me with many memorable experiences and
I have worked with very wonderful people.
o I have held various Positions that not only have challenged
me but have also helped me to grow and use my skills.
o I have been able to impact my organization and many
others in a positive way and I have made a difference.
o And I met my “Bridge” who holds my Heart along my way.
3. What will You Leave Behind?
Two questions to those of you reading this presentation –
“How will you ride off into your sunset?”
“Will you try to make a difference before you go?”
4. What will You Leave Behind?
There are two ways in which we “Twilighters” can ride off into our
sunsets –
1. We can simply finish our Careers doing what we do every day (and
thankfully) – performing our responsibilities as expected – without
pushing to improve our organization – and / or taking with us, what
we have learned and have experienced along our way.
2. Or we can continue to find ways to make a difference in our
organization – as well as finding ways to share what we have
collected – with those starting out, that will soon walk in our shoes.
This presentation is being
offered as my suggestions
on what you can do to
make a difference before
you ride off into
“Your Sunset.”
5. What will You Leave Behind?
Share Your Knowledge & Experience
You can Still Make a Difference!
Be a Teacher, Mentor, Example
Leave Things Better than You Found Them
Find Ways to Pass It On
7. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
If someone from the HR Department
walked into your Office one day and
asked you to write down what traits,
talents, skills, or education that you
acquired along your way that you
could share and pass on to
others…what would you write down?
8. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Answering this question – could be a perplexing one for
many of us…
o But it should be an exercise that all of us “Twilighters” perform
because we all have something that we can share and pass on
– that others can use, learn, and benefit from.
I for one do not think that we do enough of such actions –
both as Individuals and as Organizations.
The experience that we have gained along our way is too
precious to just take with us.
And simply riding out our days – should not be an option for
those of us whom have been blessed with successful careers
– and have talents and experience that others have yet to
learn or acquire.
9. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Posing the prior question to members of a Workforce –
would be an interesting endeavor.
If by chance 50% of what was submitted was
worthwhile and could be shared with others in the
organization – just think of the impact that it could have
– especially with those just starting out.
Placing yourself back in the shoes of someone starting
out now in this day and age –
o Wouldn’t you want to have advice at least available
to learn from?
o From someone whom has weathered the storm and
has had a successful career?
10. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Start this effort by answering the following questions –
What Significant Events happened during your Career?
What Positions have you held?
What Experiences taught you the most?
What Skills do you excel at?
What People have had a major impact on your
Career…and Why?
What Special Talents do you feel are necessary to have
and succeed in today’s Workplace?
11. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
If you were exposed to SIGNIFICANT EVENTS in your Career – chances
are you gained Knowledge and Experience from them that you can pass
on and share with others.
The Major Events that I have been exposed to include –
o Union Relations – from heated Grievance Meetings to Strike Threats
o Changing Job Disciplines & Responsibilities: Accounting to Material
Management to H/R, Workplace Safety, & IT Infrastructure Mgt.
o Employee Terminations – i.e., Drug Use, Bullying, and Theft
o Staff Layoffs at both HQ Office and Manufacturing Plant levels
o Job Relocation – 2 times including impact on Family
o Severe Injuries that needed Immediate Attention & Response
o Fighting for Plant Survival and its eventual Closure
12. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
When we Twilighters look back at our Work Career I would bet that each
one of us would have EXPERIENCES that if we shared with others, they
could benefit from.
A few Experiences that I have had that are worth sharing include –
o JOB RELOCATION – Having relocated twice in my career, I can say to
anyone so undertaking – to be ready for a traumatic experience that
could impact you and your family for years.
o From the WORK SIDE – you will be moving to a new environment
where you will have to establish new contacts, earn respect, and
adjust to the People that you will now work with.
o From the FAMILY SIDE – your emotions will be heavy especially if
there are Children involved. You have to adjust to living away from
your Family, to spending your Holidays alone, to now taking your
Vacations to SEE Family.
13. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Experiences that I have had that are worth sharing include (con’t) –
o WORKING WITH PEOPLE – I cannot say enough that being able to
Work with People is critical to your Career Success. To some People,
this comes natural. For others…they have to work at. And still others
will never find success at. My critical aspects include –
o Walk Your Talk – If you say or promise something then deliver it.
o Talk with Your Ears Open – Listen AND Hear what others say.
o Engage People in Your Efforts – Solicit their input / suggestions,
find ways to include them as critical parts of your efforts.
o Be a Leader – Means that you conduct your efforts in a “Team”
fashion – telling your People what to do is not a true Leader.
o Treat People Fairly – If you treat People fairly or as you would like
to be treated – they will go to great lengths for you.
14. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Rocking Chairs and
Sunsets –
and the One that
I Love…
But before I go, here is
what I know…
15. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
The SPECIAL TALENTS that I feel are critical for Working People to
have includes the following –
BE WELL ORGANIZED – Not only has the computer age improved
our knowledge and what we do – but it has made our lives faster.
It is common place for each of us to not have enough time. Being
well organized in the Workplace is now a must for all.
MULTI-TASKER – Over the last several years, it is common place
for organizations in efforts to save money – have combined jobs. I
for one now wear a hat that includes five (5) totally different
responsibilities. The Workforce of today must be able to do just
that – You must be able to manage and accomplish several
different responsibilities at once and as expected.
COMPUTER SKILLS – When I started out, Desktop Computers
were a rarity. Now to be successful in the Workplace – you must
be fluent in all common Business Programs / Software.
16. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Critical Special Talents (con’t) –
ABILITY to CHANGE – We are living in times when things are
constantly changing – including in the Workplace.
Organizations and their Workers must be able to adapt to
Change either imposed on them or to compete and survive
in today’s marketplace. Be ready to try something new.
BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE – Communicating with
People is more than just talking to them. In the Workplace,
you must be able to say words that People can understand.
o To be successful here – not only must you also be a good
Listener – you must know and be aware of the time that
People have. You must be able to say what you need to
say, to accomplish your duties, without wasting time.
17. Share Your Knowledge & Experience
Critical Special Talents (con’t) –
SUPERVISOR / MANAGER TRAITS – In order to be successful
as a Supervisor or Manager – you need to be true to your
word, lead by example, follow-up on items needing your
attention, be consistent, and treat all of your people fairly.
BEING MORE THAN AVERAGE – Should be the standard that
Workers shoot for today. Due to time and cost constraints,
pressure to perform / survive, etc. …Workers of today must
learn to be more than just your Average Worker.
o Have the mindset of continuous improvement
o Never grow old with learning
o Always look to better not only yourself – but what your
People do and / or what your Organization does
o Embrace Change
19. You Can Still Make a Difference
Does your Organization look at their Twilighters as “Drift Wood”
or as “Treasure Chests?”
This statement most likely will depend upon the effort that you
put out and how you choose to close out your Career.
Twilighters that can be considered DRIFT WOOD –
o Those that are looked at as past their Prime and Out of Ideas or
having Old Ideas by their Organization.
o May be just “coasting” with their Individual effort.
Twilighters that can be considered TREASURE CHESTS –
o Are full of Knowledge and Experience that is used to both improve
Organizational and Other Personnel performance.
o Should be used as Teachers and Mentors to spread their wealth.
20. You Can Still Make a Difference
My offering to “How Can I still Make a Difference” –
STAY ACTIVELY INVOLVED in various efforts both within your
work organization and any external organizations that you
may be a member of.
BE A SOUNDING BOARD for People within your organization
by advising them on their efforts and provide suggestions
based upon what you know or have experienced.
CONTINUE TO IMPROVE not only what you do individually,
but also what your organization does as well. Push to find
ways to do things better, for less cost, require less time, etc.
BE ABLE TO LOOK “OUTSIDE YOUR BOX” – don’t let your
years of experience fence you in – look outside for more.
21. You Can Still Make a Difference
My offering to “How Can I still Make a Difference” (con’t) –
PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS if your organization
provides such to its People. Look to become an instructor,
help prepare training materials, make suggestions for what
training should be offered, etc.
STAY FRESH meaning that you should stay current with
various things including computer programs, presentation
media, and possibly helping your company to “Go Green.”
LEARN & SHARE FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS – with your
work experience, you should be able to look at external
organizations and quickly determine what they do which
could benefit your organization. Learn from others.
23. Be a Teacher, Mentor, Example
For those of us Twilighters that have been blessed with a successful and
rich Work Career – I feel strongly that we must share what we have
acquired along our way with others.
TEACHER – In the Workplace, a Teacher is an Employee that has a
passion to share their Knowledge and Experience with others – so
that they can learn and benefit from – and be better as a result of.
MENTOR – Is one that takes another under their wing – to show
them how things are done. The intention of this effort is so that the
person being mentored can stand on their own and complete the job
responsibilities once they are trained in – that they will be expected
to eventually perform one day.
EXAMPLE – Without requiring much effort on our part, we should
make a point to show others how to be successful with our
responsibilities. Let others learn by watching what you do.
24. Be a Teacher, Mentor, Example
MY TEACHER EXAMPLE – Safety Training at my prior Plant was definitely
lacking which when conducted was one sided communication that did not
provide any “Safety Takeaways.” Upon taking over as Safety Manager –
ADDED PASSION – Over the last several years, I have developed a love of
Workplace Safety and inspiring those that I work with – to Work Safe.
ENGAGE YOUR PEOPLE – As the Safety Manager, I conducted Safety
Training that reached out to those I was instructing, got them to be part
of my training efforts, and gave them Safety Takeaways that they could
apply to their Workplace and be Safer as a result of.
TEACH OTHERS – Based upon my passion, experience, and success – I
created a presentation titled – “How to Conduct Effective Safety Training”
– so that others can apply to their Safety Teachings and Instruction and
benefit the Safety of their people –
http://www.slideshare.net/Steve_Wise/quothow-to-conduct-effective-
safety-trainingquot-keynote
25. Be a Teacher, Mentor, Example
MENTORING – If someone from HR walked into your Office one
day and asked you – “Who Could Replace You?” – what would
you say.
For those of us that have held our current Positions for a
number of years – there is a strong chance that it is not the
same Position as when we took it over.
More and different Responsibilities have probably been
passed to us along our way – plus we have surely acquired
additional resources such as Experience and Contacts.
The question now is “How Do You Pass This On?”
My recommendation if your Position is critical in nature – is
to recommend to Mentor someone who could be your
shadow and learn what you do.
26. Be a Teacher, Mentor, Example
I write this presentation to teach/show/encourage you to
make a difference by passing on what you know – and give
others something to benefit from…
So that you can ride off into your Sunset…
knowing that you surely did make a difference.
28. Leave Things Better Than You Found Them
When your Work Career is over and
you start your next journey –
what will your past reflect?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For those that walk in your shoes after
you leave or come on board after you
have gone – will they be able to tell that
you once worked there?
29. Leave Things Better Than You Found Them
The previous two statements
are powerful – yet ones that
we should strive to answer.
As Twilighters – it should be
our mission to leave what we
were given in better shape
than when we found it.
This kind of goes with what a
Parent does with raising their
Children – spending years
strengthening their wings so
that they can one day –
“fly on their own.”
30. Leave Things Better Than You Found Them
The following are my suggestions on how you can leave things better
than you found them –
JOB PROCEDURES – Make sure that you have current Procedures in
place to perform your Job Responsibilities. Having someone new
taking over your duties may struggle for months without current
Job Procedures.
CONTACT LIST – For those of us that work with Personnel outside of
our organization, we have well established Contact Lists. Such
should be made available to not only our People who may have to
interface with – but also anyone taking over.
UNATTENDED BUSINESS – More than likely we all have work issues
that we have not attended to and left for tomorrow. Do what you
can each day to reduce that “I’ll get to it tomorrow” pile.
31. Leave Things Better Than You Found Them
The following are my suggestions on how you can leave things
better than you found them (con’t) –
AUTOMATE WHAT YOU DO – It is not uncommon for
numerous workplace tasks to only be known how to perform
them by the individual so performing. Look to automate what
you can – so that others can easily perform when needed.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR…UNTIL THE END – If you are planning on
undertaking any major Change Efforts, Undertakings, etc. –
don’t leave them until your end. Such major actions can take
years – so get on it!
HAVE FUN & SHOW IT – It is good for the soul to have a Job
that you truly enjoy. Letting others see your enthusiasm for
your job and what you do – can spread to them.
33. Find Ways to Pass It On
From time to time – one hears of the problems and issues
that Organizations will encounter over the coming years in
filling their Open Positions.
One that I have heard more than once – is that once the
Baby Boomer Generation retires – there will not be enough
Workers to replace them.
In addition, as one surveys the various industries – it
appears that some Work Trades are dying due to those
entering the workforce not wanting to perform hard labor
while facing associated health and safety hazards.
For those of us that can do something about it – we must
help our organizations to ensure their successful future.
34. Find Ways to Pass It On
In addition to the previous mentioned recommendations, other
ways that you can pass what you have on includes –
WRITE & POST TRAINING PRESENTATIONS – Such as this
presentation for others – is another way to share your
Knowledge and Experience.
o My position using such means – is that if I can impact at least
one or two others – they may do the same and so on – resulting
in many people learning from and possibly being better off.
TAKE TIME TO SHARE IT WITH YOUR CHILDREN – For those
of us as Parents – we must do our best to find ways to share
what we know and have experienced – in ways that will
benefit them.
o I do so knowing that my way is not the only way – but one that
may somehow work for and benefit them.
35. Find Ways to Pass It On
Others ways to pass it on (con’t) –
SOCIAL NETWORKING – Is great way to not only share what
you have – but to hear what others have to offer as well.
o Posting Questions on sites such as “LinkedIn” – can get you
almost instantaneous feedback and advice. I have used this
site several times as a sounding board.
HAVE THAT BURNING DESIRE TO TEACH – One of my goals is
to become Teacher once my Work Career has ended – so
that I can share what I have learned along my way with
others – so others can learn and benefit from.
o For those of you that can and so desire – I hope that you chase
this goal too. We can touch so many if we simply try.
36. Find Ways to Pass It On
I will also leave my Love for them.
37. In Closing
This presentation was written to include my thoughts and
recommendations – on how we can share what we Know
and have Experienced with others.
I encourage anyone reading this to not only share what they
have Learned and Experienced – but to find other ways to
do so as well.
My special THANKS to those who posted the Sunset Pictures
on the web that I borrowed to supplement what I had. All
are breathtaking and truly should be enjoyed.
If anyone would care to comment on this presentation,
please do so. My Home e-mail address is –
sbwisers25@gmail.com
