Safety, Simplicity & Success - Episode #12

Today's special guest is Thomas LeBlond, Manager of Safety at Eversource Energy. With over 35 years of experience, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge in environmental health and safety management, facility operations, and energy management. He highlights the importance of working with skilled professionals, building competitive teams, and keeping safety protocols simple and effective. Thomas also emphasizes the relational aspect of safety management, the necessity of proactive communication, and the significance of handling all safety incidents with equal rigor. Stay tuned for actionable insights and best practices in safety and facility management. Takeaways:

• Surround yourself with talented individuals. As a facility manager and leader, it’s crucial to build a team with strong technical skills, good communication, and the ability to perform consistently. Hiring the right people can significantly contribute to your success.
• Experience is a good trainer and facility professionals should leverage their day-to-day experiences to learn and grow. Real-world challenges provide invaluable lessons that can’t be acquired through theoretical knowledge alone.
• Keeping things simple is key to understanding and communicating effectively. Such as simplifying processes and creating easily digestible information aids in better comprehension and execution, both for your team and the stakeholders.
• Relationships and partnerships are fundamental. Building these connections at all levels allows for open communication, helps set clear expectations, and ensures mutual understanding and support.
• Communication should be straightforward and transparent. Whether it's routine updates, critical information, or bad news, timely and clear communication can help you manage expectations and solve problems more efficiently.
• Bad news doesn’t get better with time. Addressing issues promptly prevents them from escalating and helps maintain trust within your team. It’s essential to discuss problems openly and work towards quick resolutions.
• Showing genuine care for your team members’ well-being is crucial. Being present in the field, understanding their challenges, and working proactively to ensure their safety creates a culture of trust and cooperation.

Quote of the Show

“Bad news is not going to get better with time.” - Thomas LeBlond

Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-leblond-b1124411
• Company website: https://www.eversource.com

Video