Recognition and performance incentives have long been the catalyst to habit change in the workplace. We highly recommend this book on the power of habit. NY Times Best Seller, for many months running, The Power of Habit shares many transformational stories of major global organizations. Chapter 4 tells the story of how new CEO, Paul O’Neil had a singular focus on changing the safety habits of Alcoa. His goal was simple, that Alcoa would become the safest company in America. This vision and mission transformed not only the safety culture at Alcoa, but all other process improvements, organizational development and high performance workplace goals.
My take away from this Alcoa case study is that if you want to transform your culture, safety and safe work is the place to start.
More on the Power of Habit:
In The Power of Habit, Pulitzer Prize–winning business reporter Charles Duhigg takes us to the thrilling edge of scientific discoveries that explain why habits exist and how they can be changed. Distilling vast amounts of information into engrossing narratives that take us from the boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to sidelines of the NFL to the front lines of the civil rights movement, Duhigg presents a whole new understanding of human nature and its potential. At its core, The Power of Habit contains an exhilarating argument: The key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work. As Duhigg shows, by harnessing this new science, we can transform our businesses, our communities, and our lives.