How to lead following a workplace incident
Leading when things go wrong
INVESTIGATION
In the moments after a workplace incident, how you react as a leader is critical. During this time, the actions that you take can either build trust and accountability or risk opening up cracks in the business.
1. Prioritise people first
The well-being of your team is always the top priority. Ensure that affected individuals are safe and supported, particularly emotionally and psychologically. Show empathy and take the time to check in with your people.
2. Act quickly
Begin the investigation as soon as possible to avoid memory lapses and gaps in information. Quick action also shows that you take the situation seriously, but make sure the investigation is thorough to uncover all contributing factors.
3. Lead a thorough investigation
Maintain transparency by keeping your team informed. This will build trust and show responsible management of the situation. Highlight your commitment by using an independent investigator. Lead a thorough investigation to understand root causes, collaborating with stakeholders and focusing on solutions rather than blame.
4. Act!
Once the investigation is complete, ensure that the necessary corrective actions are implemented swiftly. Leadership means following through, whether that’s improving safety processes, changing work practices, or addressing system failures.
5. Drive learning
Every incident is an opportunity to learn and grow. After resolving the immediate issues, hold discussions with your team about lessons learned. This not only improves processes but reinforces a culture of continuous improvement and shared responsibility.
By acting decisively and thoroughly, you set a standard of accountability, transparency, and improvement that can strengthen your team in the long term.
Talk with us today to learn about how Virtus Advisory can help you get started.
Our communication lines are open.