With roots in regulatory compliance, it’s no wonder that EHS professionals are, at times, viewed as cops. However, there are numerous evolving concepts that impact EHS effectiveness well beyond regulatory compliance. Some of these include the use of EHS management systems and six-sigma; the way in which EHS audits are conducted and its findings used; the role EHS professionals can play when their context (you can also say “mental models”) shift from compliance-based (cop-on-the-beat) to one of advising and coaching.
Accountability is key to this shift. In an advising/coaching role, EHS accountability is shared in partnership. EHS management systems help provide a framework for partnerships to flourish.
Another part of this shift is (1) the extent to which EHS professionals view themselves as advisor/coach and (2) the extent to which advising/coaching skills are evolved to the point of effectiveness. In the lecture I mentioned in the previous post, by Professor Ed Schein of MIT, he framed this in terms of “helping” as well as coaching skills. He presented themes from his 2009 book, Helping: How to Offer, Give, and Receive Help, Understanding Effective Dynamics in One-on-One, Group, and Organizational Relationships. For EHS professionals, there is clearly a need to have technical expertise in a “helping” or “coaching” role. In addition, as suggested by Professor Schein, there is a need to understand the “sociology of human interaction” and take into account things like social order, exchange dynamics, deference, and demeanor.
Focusing on the art of inquiry and dialogue is a good starting point for EHS professionals who want to strengthen their advising, coaching, or helping skills. Some inquiry and dialogue seeds may have been planted in an EHS management system lead auditor course, or graduate class on survey research.
There is value for EHS professionals and their department as a whole to look at this question of how they are viewed within their organization. Are you viewed as a cop to be avoided? Or as a trusted partner who adds value, insight, and effectiveness? Movement toward the latter is key to an integrated EHS department and will impact EHS strategic planning.
© Redinger EHS, Inc. (2010)