Labeling is quite popular in modern business. Management training often involves taking some personality test where we learn everyone’s “type” in hopes of better collaboration. “I’m an introvert, which explains my discomfort working in big teams.” “I’m a judger, which explains why I’m so critical.” These labels don’t make a business more efficient. Everyone goes back to the same environment and acts the same way -- nothing changes.
We overuse labels when dealing with the safety of our work crews and managers. The implication is: if workers can’t follow rules and procedures that are clearly in the manuals and training, and then they get hurt, they’re “Stupid”, “Noncompliant”, or “Lazy” or “___________” (you can fill in the blank – please keep it rated “PG”).