What do you learn when you interview a 5-year-old on Human Performance?

I knew this kid had spark when I saw him do his first "self check" at 15 months… he walked (well, actually he toddled) to the kitchen garbage can and had one item in each hand - a ready-to-eat banana and piece of paper - he put the banana in and then stopped looked into his other hand and switched the two and dropped the piece of paper in the garbage and then began eating the banana… I learned that day that STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review) is truly in our human nature… allowing other distractions to interfere with the process is the unnatural process that leads us to failure. Fast forward a few years...

"Don't Fall Down" is the chosen title of a heartfelt interview I had with my five-year-old son, Aaron. My buddy from Diablo Canyon, Thumper, thought this was pretty cool, so I thought I would share it with you. It's not entirely off-topic, however, I would encourage you to find out what the little people in your life think about error-prevention and discover what they value. I bet you learn something like I did...

The interview

Over a Saturday morning breakfast in April 2013 I had a Human Performance chat with my five-year-old son… What follows is the unedited transcript...

"Aaron, what are some things you do so you don't make mistakes?"

"I put the cup in the middle of the table" (to prevent knocking it over - recognizing the risk and avoiding the precursor)

"How do you know when something needs to be done?"

"Mommy and Daddy remind me." (Refer to the schedule and your work documents for guidance)

"How do you keep yourself safe?"

"I look both ways so I don't get hit by a car. I look and I listen. I look out for big kids, too, because they can run over a preschooler." (Using STAR)

"Aaron how do we all keep Callie (our one year old daughter) safe?"

"We watch for bad things that can happen - like poking herself in the head and keeping her safe from riled up dogs." (Using a good Questioning Attitude)

"Aaron, do you feel safe?""Yes, Mommy and Daddy protect me."

I asked Aaron about Daddy being safe at work:

He told me he wanted me to be safe like Daddy wants him to be safe.  I asked, "Why?"

"I don't want you to be dead." (there is the Affective message)

"Why not, Aaron?"

(Shyly) "Because I love you"

"Any other reason?"

"Because then we can't have Daddy Day." (A typical Friday occurrence)

"Aaron, how do we get better at something?"

"We get better by practicing." (OJT/JPMs)

"Do you have any advice for Daddy at work?"

"Don't cut yourself.  Don't get oil in your shirt. Don't fall down." (Use your PPE, stay clean, watch where you are walking - eyes on path.)

Conclusion

After an interview with a 5-year-old HU Practitioner , I've learned it's best to simply not overcomplicate things. A hard lesson to practice daily.