In this short episode, Dr. Ayers warns safety professionals about a common productivity trap: falling down “rabbit holes” when trying to answer safety questions. He openly calls himself a “recovering rabbit‑hole expert,” highlighting how easy it is to get lost in unnecessary details instead of delivering practical, timely guidance.
Before answering a safety question, define what a successful answer looks like. This prevents over‑researching, over‑explaining, or chasing irrelevant information.
Diving too deep into regulations, interpretations, or edge cases can derail progress and overwhelm employees.
Most workers want a clear, actionable answer—not a dissertation. Give them the path forward, not the entire regulatory universe.
Avoiding rabbit holes requires intentional focus and the ability to stop yourself from drifting into unnecessary complexity.
Safety leaders are most effective when they stay focused, define success, and avoid unnecessary detours. Clarity beats complexity every time.
