Doing More With Less
Alex Pollock
December 2, 2013
Ideas expressed in the article presented in October's NAEM Executive brief grabbed my attention. How can we apply this insight to the EHS function?
The theme of "protecting functional strengths" seems like a good one to explore together. "Audit committee reporting" and "compliance" services surfaced as important to retain as well as "services linked to the organizational and business strategy." The suggestion of engaging the customer in defining the "service menu" on the surface seems helpful, but I remember being in the audience when W. Edwards Deming cautioned us that the "customer does always know what they need."
With that said, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the following:
- What have you defined as key EHS functional strengths?
- What EHS services did you used to offer that you have eliminated completely?
- What EHS services have you now outsourced?
- How have you successfully engaged your internal customers in the service selection process?
- What EHS service that you provide would you describe as "unique?"
- Do you have experiences in the area of cost cutting that others should leverage?
Topics:
Health & Safety
Related
About the Author
Alex Pollock
Alex Pollock has been studying leadership effectiveness for more than 30 years. A former leader in environment, health and safety, and public affairs at The Dow Chemical Co., he learned that we all have leadership roles to play. He enjoys discussing new ideas and sharing practical ways we can all become better leaders.