Lesson Learned from a Drill Sergeant Part II

For Part I: https://www.staccard.com/blog/lessons-learned-from-a-drill-sergeant

“Right Time, Right Place, Right Uniform, & Right Attitude” was a phrase I remember my Drill Sergeant repeating over and over. It seems easy enough – basically just show up and be ready to go. Being a sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard these values have a new meaning as I can have anywhere from 3-10 soldiers under my direct charge that I also have to hold to these values, not just myself. But, I believe it is easy to say, that these values can be applied to all workplaces, especially in the practice of safety.

Right Time: Simple enough, show up for work at the right time. In the Army if you arrive on time your late. Formation may be at 0700, but you should know that means get there at least 15 minutes early. The same in the civilian world holds true, consistently arrive to work on time, therefore ensure to pre-plan for any potential delays in order to prevent having to rush to work.

Right Place: Clear enough, show up to the right location. In construction people might be moving around to different offices or projects, so it is essential that you give/get specific directions about where is the correct place to meet.

Right Uniform: It might be simple, but there are actually a number of different uniform options in the Army and different patches that need to be on the uniform. You can watch any number of stolen valor videos to see how easy it is to mess of the Army uniform and how easy it is to spot an individual not wearing the uniform correctly. Going onto a jobsite also requires the proper uniform. Hard hat, safety glasses, pants, shirt, gloves, hearing protection, and any other items that might be required for a jobsite.

Right Attitude: Having the right attitude is the keystone for all the other values. In the Army I can come up with an action plan for a person not showing up on time, not being in the right place, and not being in the right uniform, but the hardest thing to change is having the right attitude. Anyone can go to work everyday as a mindless lemming and just wait for 5 o’clock to leave. Attitude means being engaged with what you are doing and actively participating. This includes taking an active role in safety as well.

Again “Right Time, Right Place, Right Uniform, & Right Attitude” seems like a simple value system. But, how often have we or allowed a co-worker to fail at least one of these components? I know that it is difficult for me sometimes, especially keeping the right attitude all the time. But, I challenge you to try and hold yourself and others around you to these values. You’d be surprise how much better safety and the workplace will be.