We have a policy called “Stepback” at the company I work for. Disappointingly, it’s not the instigation of a mandatory employee rap battle, but rather the task of taking a physical step back before commencing maintenance work and analysing whether you have the right tools, materials and training for the job at hand.
It’s a good thing, I think. Stepping back out of the frame a little and giving yourself room to take a breath and get some insight and reflection happening before you jump headfirst into something. No, really, it’s nothing short of philosophically enlightening! And besides, it’s company policy. I’m sure they’ve thoroughly thought through the ideals – what could go wrong?
Since I’m a model employee, here are some ways I’ve been including Stepback in my day to day routine:
Monday
Printer is jammed. Went to fix it, but remembered management’s instructions and took a step back to analyse the situation. Successfully gauged that I am too lazy to unblock it myself. Phoned Service Centre to request a fix.
Tuesday
Lots on my plate today; projects incoming from three different departments and complaints from all three that their own work should have immediate priority. Performed Stepback and established I do not have the correct tools with which to smash my colleagues across the face for their constant interruptions (my cup was in the dishwasher). Went to lunch instead.
Wednesday
Computer refusing to connect to network. Carried out Stepback procedure and ascertained I would be unable to open the window far enough to throw it out after all, as the louvers may impede objects exiting the 6th Floor on the west side of the building.
Thursday
Had a 9:00am meeting today. After performing Stepback from the comfort of my bedroom at approximately 8:52am and consulting with both my pillow and my cat, I informed management further training would be required in areas such as alarm-setting and not staying up late posting on the internet.
Friday
Was unsure how to proceed with a project received from the field, and Stepback made it clear to me I did not have the correct materials and should workflow task to the “too-hard basket”. Re-allocated my expertise to where it was needed most and employed my Solitaire-playing skills to their fullest extent instead, then left early for the Pub.
Alright alright, I know, I’m going over the top. But I do agree with the analytical ideals this policy puts towards eliminating human error, both in a work sense and a general one. The Stepback strategy, though corruptible as my last hard drive when taken out of context, may seem like pure common sense – but you’d be surprised how many serious injuries have been averted by having it in writing on a task sheet.
Personally though, I think the lead we should follow is my coworker’s take on it – she recently proved this work-safe tactic could be applied to more than just routine Pressure Safety Valve inspections when she lent the same principles to the task of cutting off a couple of malcontent branches high up in a tree in her back yard which were planning gravity-related terrorist attacks on the roof of her shed.
Being deathly afraid of heights, she cleverly took the Stepback approach to gauge whether or not she’d had enough champagne to work up the courage to do it – and proceeded to down half a bottle of bubbly before clambering up the tall, unsupported ladder with chainsaw in hand.
Atta girl! Talk about pushing a fine company line.
No coworkers were harmed in the writing of this article.
