As an ergonomist my work often put me in a position where others were relying on me to point out opportunities or omissions that, if addressed, could make a job or system safer or more effective. As a younger man, new to this work, at times I held back my observations, not wanting to offend others by criticizing what they were doing, or to say something that later might prove to be incorrect. As I matured, I accepted and embraced my role to point out opportunities and omissions and if I failed to do so I would not be doing my work well. Therefore, I became much more vocal in sharing my observations, with always appreciative feedback from clients and colleagues.
Since retiring, I am working much less in my profession of ergonomics, but still have the same mind which easily understands systems and what humans interacting with these systems may want or need, to understand information presented or accomplish what they seek to do easily and efficiently. And, I still have insights about products and systems that could make an improvement for users’ experience, functionality or safety, and I face the question of “Should I take the risk, time and effort to share my insights?” “To share or not to share.”
When I do share, what I offer may relate to a challenge I encountered such as “I was unable to figure out how to do what I wanted to do, and I would like to share the details and a suggestion of how things might be done differently to make it more clear to used like me” or they could be more of a general or of an observational nature such as an observed safety risk.
I try to phrase my input in such a way that I lead with appreciation and compliments, and follow this with my suggestion or request, adding the caveat that mine is one perspective and that I understand it may not address the needs of all involved.
When I do get a response it may be appreciative and in some cases it may come with a request for more information or a follow-up exchange. Or I may not receive a reply or receive a dismissive reply which I can only guess about where it is coming from. I know there can be an NIH attitude (Not Invented Here) and some people may have unpleasant feelings of inadequacy brought forward when something overlooked or done in error is brought to their attention. Some may merely not be interested in spending time to understand or learn and/or don’t have the resources or the authority to make changes, so choose not to engage.
I am human and like to be heard and appreciated for what I contribute, yet in many cases I do not receive the appreciation I desire. I’m generally not attached to my suggestions being implemented, but feel drawn to continue making suggestions, yet can feel disappointed when I do not receive the affirmation I desire. And thus I will continue to ask myself whether “to share or not to share”.
In answering this question one criteria I will apply going forward is: What possible impact could come from implementing my suggestion or addressing the issue I raise? I will bias my answer to the positive, and give the input, if there could be a positive impact to something that matters deeply, especially for sustainability, climate, biodiversity or any of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when? “(Rabbi Hillel)