Embracing Change: Pre-Transformation
Before embarking on my transformative journey, my perspective on my role as a safety practitioner was firmly established. It was almost unyielding, a view solidified by years of understanding safety through a black-and-white lens.
Being doggedly rule-bound was my modus operandi. I was fixated on the idea that if the rules were laid down, they were to be followed to the letter, leaving no room for interpretation.
The Emotional Undertow: The Transformation Begins
Embarking on this journey, I encountered a maelstrom of emotions. Guilt and remorse, two profound feelings, became my constant companions as I realized the potential repercussions of my previous rigid approach.
The guilt stemmed from the realization that my rigid interpretation and application of safety protocols might have unintentionally undermined the very goal I was trying to achieve. It was a stark moment of self-reckoning, which sparked an intense discomfort within me, pushing me towards change.
The Mindset Shift: Post-Transformation
This discomfort served as a catalyst, prompting me to reevaluate my mindset. No longer was I the unyielding practitioner with an unwavering belief in the infallibility of rules and procedures.
Instead, I had begun to evolve, shedding my old skin and stepping into a newfound understanding of safety practice. My approach was no longer tethered to the rigid interpretation of rules, but rather became more adaptable, more empathetic, more human.
Conclusion
In the end, the top three changes I experienced were a shift in my perspective on my role as a safety practitioner, a change in my mindset about the importance of rules, and an emotional transition that brought with it a healthy sense of guilt and remorse. This transformation was a shedding of my old skin, as I moved away from a rigidly rule-based approach to a more empathetic, adaptable, and human-centered one. While it was not a comfortable process, I believe this transition has made me a more effective and compassionate safety practitioner.
This metamorphosis, as challenging as it was, serves as a potent reminder that change, even when uncomfortable, can often lead to profound growth and development. This journey has reshaped not just my professional approach but also my personal perspectives, enhancing my understanding and empathy towards the complex and often multifaceted nature of safety practices.