Recent Articles

Dirty Dozen: Lack of Communication

Do communication problems cause any operational problems at your company?   I recently did a training session on professionalism in communication for some crude oil pipeline controllers.  Last week I did a presentation on communication for the Southern Gas Association Operations Conference. This week a Gas Control Center Manager told me about communication issues.  All indicated that communication problems lead to many other problems.  Let me encourage you this month to improve communications – begin with your speaking and listening skills, then encourage your team to read the article and discuss how to improve communications.  Please click on the link below.

Lack of Communication

Posted July 29th, 2010 in Dirty Dozen Articles

Are You Endulled? Is Your Organization?

Endullment is a term coined by Ira Shor to describe what happens to people when they are not allowed to participate in decisions that affect them. Shor applied the term to educational organizations, but it fits other organizations. Are you endulled? Read More

Posted July 14th, 2010 in Human Factors, Leadership

How is the Quest for Safety Like the Task of Sisyphus?

Do you know the myth of Sisyphus?  He was condemned to push a boulder up a hill. When he reached the top, the boulder would roll back down.  Then Sisyphus would run down the hill and push the boulder up again. Read More

Posted July 14th, 2010 in Observations, Operational Excellence