When 9/10 is Mediocre: The Safety Epiphany Reshaping a Factory
Rajiv, the CEO of a factory grappling with a string of fatal accidents, was at his wits' end. Despite a strong commitment to safety—9 out of 10 by his assessment—and significant investments in protocols and consultants, the accidents continued. As a leadership coach, I challenged him to consider whether that missing point in his commitment might be contributing to the ongoing tragedies.
Understandably, Rajiv bristled. "That’s impossible! You don’t understand... workers do crazy things! Most of them aren’t educated! I can’t be on their backs every moment,” he protested. His reaction was natural; the idea of full commitment can be daunting. Yet, it was this very commitment that eventually catalyzed a profound transformation.
A few days after our intense coaching session, Rajiv encountered an injured janitor. In that moment, he acted not as a CEO but as a compassionate human being. He not only ensured the janitor received medical attention but went a step further—he personally drove him home, met his family, and assured them of his support.
Rajiv had, perhaps unintentionally, found his 10/10 commitment. This realization sparked a cultural shift within his organization, one that did not require any changes in safety procedures, but simply a change in attitude, starting from the top.
What followed was a remarkable change. In just two weeks, the factory reported zero incidents—a first in a long time. Productivity improved, morale was high, and employees felt a renewed sense of safety. The secret to this dramatic transformation lay not in changes to processes or employee attitudes but in a change in the leadership's way of being.
When Rajiv embraced full commitment, he sent a powerful message to his team: “What do I need to change in myself?” This question, now a mantra, flipped the traditional leadership approach on its head, inviting introspection and personal growth.
This story serves as a powerful reminder for all leaders: Even a single point missing in your commitment can impact your entire organization, determining whether it settles for mediocrity or strives for excellence.
But how do you move from a 9 to a 10? How do you ensure that you are fully committed? Here are some actionable steps:
Self-assessment: Regularly gauge your level of commitment. Be honest with yourself—where do you stand?
Question the norm: If you find yourself falling short, ask why. What beliefs or barriers are preventing you from reaching that full commitment?
Actively seek to improve: Commitment is not static. What can you do differently? How can you show up more fully in your role?
Lead by example: Changes begin at the top. If you want a culture of full commitment, you need to be the first one to embrace it.
Remember, settling for mediocrity is easy, but opting for a life filled with passion, authenticity, and commitment is transformative. This was the lesson Rajiv learned, the lesson that turned around the fate of his factory and, most importantly, saved lives.
Embrace the choice to be 100% committed today and witness the powerful shift it brings in your leadership and your organization. Because the difference between 9/10 and a full 10/10 isn't just a point—it's the thin line that separates mediocrity from excellence.
Uncover more such transformative stories and insights in my book, The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar, which unravels the hidden mechanics of leadership and commitment, revealing their significant impacts on organizational culture and performance.