Over the years, I’ve found that short quotes and memorable phrases stick with people. These little tidbits are so effective that they’ve become some of my most valuable training tools. When I hear or read a saying or joke that I like (or make up a good one myself), I post it on a sign and use the sign to grab attention and remove barriers to learning. Some of the quotes are funny and some are thought-provoking; all are intended to make a safety-related point. Here are a few of my favorites.

Point Pointers

I’m listing these by the quote or saying first, followed by the point it makes. Try starting a training session with one or two of these and see if anyone can figure out the point you’re about to make.

#1:

You have to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.
~ Abraham Lincoln

Point: You are responsible for your own safety.

#2:

When you have no basis for an argument, abuse the plaintiff.
~ Cicero, 60 B.C.

Point: Consider whether you’re opposing an idea or a person.

#3:

Do not confuse activity with progress.
~ Anonymous

Point: Be clear about what you are trying to accomplish.

#4:

Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.
~ Gen. Douglas McArthur

Point: Persevere.

#5:

Arguing with a safety man is like wrestling with a pig in a mud hole: after a while you realize he’s having fun.
~ Anonymous

Point: Are you making a point or making points?

#6:

Arguments are like parties: you are not obligated to accept every invitation.
~ Hank Roberts

Point: Pick your battles.

#7:

Great philosophers did not introduce the concept of liberty in this country.
Great politicians did not declare this nation free of tyranny and oppression.
Great armies did not take arms to defend that declaration against the enemy.
Great soldiers did not assure the liberty and freedom we now enjoy.
Who, then, did these things? Everyday citizens, farmers and businessmen armed with the most advanced available weapons and willing to use them.
~ Hank Roberts

Point: Everyday people accomplish great things.

#8:

A 911 operator gets a frantic call from a hunter, calling on his cell phone from deep in the woods.
He gasps to the operator, "I think my friend is dead! I found him on the ground near his hunting stand. What should I do?"
The operator, in a calm soothing voice says, "Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he's dead."
There is a silence, then the operator hears two shots in quick succession.
The guy's voice comes back on the line. "OK, now what?"
~ Anonymous

Point: Be careful what instructions you give people. They may follow them.

#9:

You can lead people to facts, but you cannot make them think.
~ Anonymous (slight modification of common expression)

Point: Training sometimes requires extra effort.

#10:

STUPID HURTS
~ Young Marine Iraq veteran, on lessons learned in battle

Point: Think about your intended actions.

#11:

Success comes in cans. Failure comes in can’ts
~ High School Science teacher, 1960s

Point: Keep a positive attitude.

#12:

Be very, very careful what you put into that head, because you will never, ever get it out.
~ Thomas Cardinal Wolsey

Point: Your words may have a lasting effect.

#13:

I have CDO. That’s the same as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) but in alphabetical order, like it SHOULD BE.
~ Anonymous

Point: Is this really important or just important to you?

#14:

A compromise is by definition an agreement where nobody gets what they want.
~ Hank Roberts

Point: There are FIVE means of solving problems. Compromise is only one.

#15:

It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong.
~ Voltaire

Point: Are we doing this because you’re right, or because you’re the boss?

Conclusion

And here’s one for all of us safety professionals to consider:

What is the difference between a dead dog in the road and a dead safety man in the road?
Skid marks in front of the dog.
The dog is only run over once.
No one is pointing to the dog, cheering.
~ Anonymous

The point? We should always be mindful of the impression we’re making.

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