You know what it is like when a boss misuses or abuses their power. All kinds of things fall apart. When a lower ranked person does not use their power well, when they do not speak up when speaking up is required, equally miserable things happen. I think you know what I’m talking about: office drama, work site negativity, lack of engagement and people who leave your company.
If you want to hear the story of power misused, which I told at the AGC America National Safety Conference recently, click this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yaB033WTu8 (3 min). If you want to read what a few of the safety leaders said about my program, see their comments below. I’m grateful for all the positive feedback I got.
But oh the business benefits, when rank is well used! Trust levels go up. Engagement improves. Your team will perform at a higher level and profits are likely to increase.
But power is not easy to get right, especially these days when we see so many bad examples. And safety, though we’ve come a long way, still requires a hefty dose of both technical expertise and interpersonal skills.
So, how are you using your power and your rank as a leader? How are those who captain your organization using their power? Are they too strong? Are they too lenient? Do they show strength and then buckle? Are they too lenient and then they become too forceful? Are they having crucial conversations that lead to a better culture?
If you need some support managing the delicate aspects of power and rank, do not
hesitate to reach out for a conversation. I will be available for you.
Tom Esch
From AGC America’s National Safety Conference 2025
I thought your presentation was GREAT! Your point about how Rank, when used properly, can build a successful team—and when misused, can dissolve it—not just in production but also in SAFETY—really stuck with me.
—Josh Williams, Minger Construction, Jordan, Minnesota
I thought your speech was fantastic. You were engaging and funny (and musical!) and had a lot of relevant insight to share.
—Brenda Goodenberger, Safety Coordinator, Manship Builders, Carefree, Arizona
I thought your presentation was phenomenal and really captured everyone’s attention.
—Hayden Brown, Benike Construction, Rochester, Minnesota
Your presentation was great! Your discussion of rank and position power was a great reminder. I find this part of leadership and safety very interesting…
—Steve Kinn, EH&S Manager, Kwest Group, Findlay, Ohio