This article concludes a three-part series on mindful versus mindless behavior, and the consequences for safety. For more information on the value of mindfulness, read Dr. Ellen J. Langer's 1989 book, Mindfulness, published by Perseus Books, Reading, Mass. This month I want to show you how being mindful benefits four key elements of effective safety.

After the objects were introduced, the groups were asked to complete some survey forms. Then the experimenter announced that the survey could not continue because the wrong instructions had been given and no spare forms were available. Several subjects suggested, though, that the rubber chew toy could be used as an eraser to correct the flawed forms. Interestingly, this resourceful idea came only from the conditional group, those told, "This could be a dog's chew toy."