--- title: "Is a Goal of \"Zero Harm\" Inspiring or Not? [Poll Results]" description: "I created a poll recently on LinkedIn, where I posed the question like this: The late Paul O'Neill, as CEO of Alcoa, called for \"zero harm\" to employees, and created a culture where everybody worked toward that without making excuses. He later inspired many healthcare leaders to work toward \"zero harm\" to patients, as well." image: https://www.valuecapturellc.com/hubfs/Value%20Capture%20Page%20Banner%20%285%29.jpg --- # Is a Goal of "Zero Harm" Inspiring or Not? [Poll Results] December 15, 2021 Written by Mark Graban I created a [poll](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mgraban_the-late-paul-oneill-as-ceo-of-alcoa-called-activity-6874197369827799040-sUxM/) recently on LinkedIn, where I posed the question like this: The late [Paul O'Neill](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/team/paul-h-oneill), as CEO of Alcoa, called for "[zero harm](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/zero-harm)" to [employees](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/staff-safety), and created a culture where everybody worked toward that without making excuses. He later inspired many healthcare leaders to work toward "zero harm" to [patients](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/patient-safety), as well. But how would a goal like this be received in your organization?  - Inspiring -- aim high! - Demoralizing -- not possible - More nuanced -- please comment Here are the results of the poll: ![LinkedIn Zero Harm Poll Results Value Capture](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Zero%20Harm%20Poll%20Results%20Value%20Capture.png?width=1060&name=LinkedIn%20Zero%20Harm%20Poll%20Results%20Value%20Capture.png) I was glad to see that a vast majority of people answering the poll said the goal of zero harm is "inspiring" rather than "demoralizing." Keep in mind this is not a scientific poll. You can also view the results on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mgraban_the-late-paul-oneill-as-ceo-of-alcoa-called-activity-6874197369827799040-sUxM/). ## Some of the Discussion: The [poll](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mgraban_the-late-paul-oneill-as-ceo-of-alcoa-called-activity-6874197369827799040-sUxM/) has prompted some really good discussion so far. Please join in! [Valorie Hendrix](https://www.linkedin.com/in/valorie3201/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B20UXw4SURHWdXlItn6z8Zg%3D%3D) wrote: > I thought it was part of all organizations to strive for "zero harm" towards employees. If that is impossible for your organization, then why would employees work there?   [Jamie Flinchbaugh](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamieflinchbaugh/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B20UXw4SURHWdXlItn6z8Zg%3D%3D) added: > I think the goal is inspiring, but needs to be backed up with a "how do we do it." We don't need all the answers, but need to be pointed in a direction, and a common direction. Paul did do that, which is one of the keys to the progress he made.   [Eduardo Osario](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardoosorioconsultant/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B20UXw4SURHWdXlItn6z8Zg%3D%3D) wrote: > The true north should be on everybody’s mind and it should be zero. But if there are no milestones, recognitions, and sharing; steam may dry out and you’re eventually left with withered posters.  He's completely right about this. Mr. O'Neill never meant for "zero harm" to be a slogan or a poster. He took a lot of action, and encourage real action and leadership throughout Alcoa. [Julie Savage-Fournier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliesavagefournier/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3B20UXw4SURHWdXlItn6z8Zg%3D%3D) said: > It all depends on the means allocated and support provided to achieve the goal. > > Stating a vision without supporting it with actions - or sometimes contradicting it with our actions - is demoralizing. > > Stating a vision and taking visible actions (even imperfect) towards it is inspiring. > > It's all a matter of believing in the intention. Is it genuine or a smoke screen?  Well said. It has to be genuine. As [Ron Suskind](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAB8uWWUBJ5eAgVxnvyiQmYFU57NFmDgmQlo) emphasized i[n our podcast about Paul O'Neill last week](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/ron-suskind-interview-paul-oneill-principles), you have to TRULY care about your employees ## More About the O'Neill Approach You can read more about the O'Neill approach -- which goes well beyond stating the goal of "zero" -- here on our "[Zero Harm](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/zero-harm)" page. You can also learn more in our free eBooks: [![Download free Paul O'Neill "Playbook" eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5436566/4124ffd7-1526-4408-9f58-a65f0589d7ca.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5436566/4124ffd7-1526-4408-9f58-a65f0589d7ca) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5436566/0a715165-a1fc-40b5-b8ee-3a560fa67b37.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5436566/0a715165-a1fc-40b5-b8ee-3a560fa67b37)   [Safety](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/safety), [Zero Harm](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/zero-harm), [Paul O'Neill](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/paul-oneill), [Patient Safety](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/patient-safety), [Leadership](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/leadership), [Culture](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/culture), [Employee Safety](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/tag/employee-safety) ![Mark Graban](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/hubfs/Mark%20Graban%20Chair%20Lean%20Head%20Square%20600.jpg) #### Written by [ Mark Graban ](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/author/mark-graban) Mark Graban has served healthcare clients since 2005. Mark is internationally recognized as a leading author and speaker on Lean healthcare. His latest book is "The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation." ##### Like it? Share it: [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/is-a-goal-of-zero-harm-inspiring-or-not-poll) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/is-a-goal-of-zero-harm-inspiring-or-not-poll) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/is-a-goal-of-zero-harm-inspiring-or-not-poll) ### You may also like [Habitual Excellence Episode #4: Ken Segel on Zero Harm and Theoretical Limits ](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) ##### [Habitual Excellence Episode #4: Ken Segel on Zero Harm and Theoretical Limits](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) 1 June, 2020 Listen: [Read this article](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-4-ken-segel-on-zero-harm-and-theoretical-limits) [Highlights From “Pursuing Zero Harm: A Powerful Platform for Embedding Lean Capability” ](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) ##### [Highlights From “Pursuing Zero Harm: A Powerful Platform for Embedding Lean Capability”](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) 1 February, 2022 In 2019, Meghan Scanlon (a former Value Capture advisor) presented a webinar, “Pursuing Zero Harm: A Powerful Platform f... [Read this article](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/close-look-zero-harm-pursuing-zero-harm-a-powerful-platform-for-embedding-lean-capability) [Habitual Excellence Episode #19: Value Capture Team on Safety for Patients and Staff ](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) ##### [Habitual Excellence Episode #19: Value Capture Team on Safety for Patients and Staff](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) 15 September, 2020 [Read this article](https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) [LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/habitual-excellence-episode-19-value-capture-team-on-safety-for-patients-and-staff) #### Submit a comment ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Mark Graban", "url" : "https://www.valuecapturellc.com/blog/author/mark-graban" }, "dateModified" : "2021-12-15T14:09:35.896Z", "datePublished" : "2021-12-15T07:09:00.000Z", "headline" : "Is a Goal of \"Zero Harm\" Inspiring or Not? 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