Think Strategy, Not Tactics

EHS professionals often hear they should be viewed as corporate partners, not just technical specialists. In his Safety 2013 proceedings article, Christopher Milici, director of global EHS and security for John Crane, offers several tips that EHS pros can use to be recognized as strategic business partners.

• Understand your company. Know your company’s goals and how it makes money. “Simply knowing its EHS issues is insufficient,” Milici says. “You need to understand your company’s position in the market.” 
• Lead with your strength. Identify your program’s greatest beneft and lead with that. “Keep the message simple and consistent,” he says. 
• Develop a program brand. “Successful programs have a common language, look and feel, regardless of where they are implemented in the company,” Milici explains. “Develop talking points that provide a quick and easy summary of the program to keep everyone focused on the key goals.” 
• Identify your best (internal) customers. Know who will gain the most from the new program because they can help you sell it, Milici advises. “Listen to the ‘voice of the customers’ and use their words to engage them and get them excited about the new program.” 
• Know your competition. Other programs will compete for time and money. “Have a plan to address these challenges and convince detractors that they can also gain from your program,” Milici concludes. 

If you weren't able to attend this session during PDC, be sure to look for Chris's paper on the proceedings CD or look in the July 2013 issue of Professional Safety for information on ordering recorded sessions.