PLS Management Consulting

12/12/2024

☝ GOING THROUGH THE BIG "D" AND I DON'T MEAN DALLAS!

Here are some critical highlights of the importance of DISTINCTIONS (the D in DSRP) in your health & safety program.

Distinctions refer to definitions, identity (including what it is not) names, synonyms (equivalency), antonyms--like when you are discussing what is considered unsafe behavior, a risk, the problem, and the root cause--from perspectives like supervisors, managers, operators, and OSHA.

Distinctions refer to scope--like the verifications and clearances covered on a safety check-list.

Distinctions refer to boundaries--like an authorized person or designee inclusion list or designation.

Distinctions are fluid, based upon the system, relationship, and perspective--like acceptable risk in a crisis or accident.

An open-ended question is a distinction broadening approach--like "Did you follow procedure" vs. "What are the parts of the process you used today?"

📖 A favorite quote about Distinctions "There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy"--Hamlet, Shakespeare

(Oh, and now realize there are misunderstood and muddy distinctions in every system)

Cabrera Lab
The future is human.

12/11/2024

I saw the Notre Dame de Paris reopening on the news. This is so exciting, and what a feat to accomplish this complex and detailed restoration on such a short timeline. It looks perfect! I'm sure many across the world, especially the French people, rejoice!!

Previous to the restoration was of course the fire. The fire was probably the result of a visiting work crew (e.g., spark or lit cigarette). Additionally, the inspector went to the wrong area with the report of the smell of smoke, allowing the fire to grow. Then unfortunately, the fire alarm system did not report directly to the fire department; a call had to be made. These events led to the devastation and heartbreaking loss. All of these events imply there were not effective measures in place to account for the special conditions of this historic structure.

Yet, I couldn't help but notice workers and artisans not using protective eyewear and other protective equipment during the restoration. You would think there would be heightened measures and observances around safety after such an event.

And this is what we tend to do. We have a special circumstance (artisans and craftsmen working on detail and need to closely see their workpiece or we operate a historic structure that doesn't meet current fire codes) and we don't create special distinctions, relationships, systems, or perspectives to support the special conditions. In short, leadership doesn't change their thinking, so neither does anyone else. So, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors remain unchanged and risk is not fully managed.

It is important to note that unless we are cognizant of the tendency, sometimes, nothing will make us change our thinking.

But, things change, when thinking changes.

10/23/2024

Check out the brand new episode of the Cabrera Lab Podcast! In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take on context. Learn why context is part of a lazy person's conversational toolkit, understand the nuances of context, and finally learn how to use context in a fair and intelligent way. Doing so will help you understand the system far better than everyone else and be the smartest person in the room. Listen now!

I learned a lot on this one!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera take on context. Learn why context is part of a lazy person's conversational toolkit, understand the nua...

10/17/2024

Leveling-up thinking makes everything easier!

Reclaim time consumed by inefficiencies occurring throughout your organization. You probably have a handle on your shop floor, but what about the myriad of times employees interface with other employees? Automated workflows can facilitate administrative functions, but the biggest impact can be gained through targeting:

🔦 Complex interfaces. Developing and designing culture and strategizing. Anytime we operate in the conceptual realm or think in hypotheticals or futuristic terms. There is a reason why strategy meetings often occur off-site; to prevent interruptions and decrease the slow restarts of these difficult discussions and deep thinking.

🔦 High-Connectivity Interfaces. Reoccurring sessions & meetings; employees with high frequency connectivity. The right approach can have tremendous positive impact on employee retention, culture, effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

🔦 Transition points. Moving from ideation or plans to ex*****on; when changing direction or focus; responding to crisis or change.

At Cabrera Lab, we know the future is human! Contact me and we will show you a way to be be better everyday.

10/08/2024

Are you struggling to understand a situation?

One of my go-to cognitive moves when examining a situation is the Zoom in/Zoom Out Move. This is extremely helpful in understanding what can be influenced or what could influence our system of study/observation. This is all about critical thinking, analyzing, verifying--really increasing understanding, particularly when people are involved.

The Cabrera Podcast is insightful, informative, and enjoyable. This is a great episode on part-whole structure and includes my favorite approach! Take a listen and add them to your podcast line-up.

Better Everyday.

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera share all they've learned from their empirical research on part-whole systems. Listen now to hear about ...

09/27/2024

Some things from Cabrera Lab, I must share!

What do the CDC, NIH, National Science Foundation, NSF, US Agency of International Development (USAID), Department of Defense, US State Department, West Point, Army Special forces all have in common?

They realize the value of the Cabrera Lab, and the methodologies of Derek Cabrera and Laura Cabrera to level-up thinking!

Here is the latest Cabrera Lab Podcast Derek and Laura discuss one thing while discussing so much! Distinctions. Take a listen and learn more about YOUR world.

In this week's episode, learn all about Identity-Other Distinctions with Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera. They share their research findings, and the one move y...

08/27/2024

Along with my business, PLS Management Consulting, I am part of Cabrera Lab which is an adjunct of Cornell University. I am part of a small diverse team led by Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera launching a public platform for DSRP and UpThinking. We have earned I-Corp status with the National Science Foundation! All of us have a strong desire to help others interact with their environment (home, family, friends, work, etc.) with less stress and more success. This comes from understanding thinking and "loving reality" as it gives you feedback that is critical to your survival and adaptability!

They have a podcast that is really great. Drs. Derek and Laura are the most caring people you could ever meet-and two of the smartest. Here is their latest podcast on masking-which is when we present ourselves in a different way in different circumstances. Sometimes this is a good thing-sometimes it might not be! Take a listen and hopefully add them to your podcast lineup. I know you will enjoy it!

In this week's episode, Drs. Derek and Laura Cabrera get deep and talk about the ins and outs of masking. What is the impact of masking on the neurodivergent...

08/26/2024

📰 Our new Thinking-Based Safety Training is now available!

🔌 🔌 🔌 🔌 Get ready to supercharge your risk management and safety plans with a mind-blowing strategy that's all about boosting brainpower and kicking bias to the curb.

Get ready to supercharge your risk management and safety plans with a mind-blowing strategy that's all about boosting brainpower and kicking bias to the curb. Discover the power in flipping narrow viewpoints that could be dragging down your results. See the ways in which narratives can totally warp....

07/30/2024

👂 Listen to what the world is laying down!

🛑 Semiotics is the science of signs. In this context signs include the transfer of information to our brains from words, media, and activity like gestures or facial expressions.

😡 😀 When you encounter emotion at work, this is a sign to you there is more information to be learned and deeper connections to be made. Happiness and elation are clues of good things you can enhance or celebrate. Sadness, frustration, even anger are clues of potential importance to the business.

😏 Conversely, if there is no excitement or frustration, this could be a lack of engagement-you don't want this either!

Pay attention to moods and emotions. You will build deeper connections with employees and show them you care and you could learn of matters of importance to your business.

07/19/2024

Check out my profile spotlight on Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur. My podcast goes live July 24th!

In today's Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight, we're excited to introduce Lori Fisher, the mind behind the PLS Management Framework. Lori's passion for improvi…

06/30/2024

My latest blog!

Understand the origins of resistance in your organization

06/14/2024

https://www.purposeleapsurge.com/post/how-can-collaborative-leadership-deepen-engagement-and-impact-in-your-organization

Powerful, efficient engagement puts more people on the same footing, and distributes power and accountability, increasing business capacity