About

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Colombia's state oil company Ecopetrol is one of the four main petroleum producers in Latin America, and engages in the production, refining and transportation of oil and gas, as well as petrochemical activities.

Ecopetrol’s Regional Manager Shares His Experience of JMJ’s Organisational Incident and Injury-Free™ (IIF™) Safety Approach

What have you liked the most about Operación LIDER (IIF) and the job that JMJ has done with you and its impact on your organization?

JMJ transmits a message of a genuine commitment to life and an unwavering leadership that strengthens this message. This really succeeds in reaching people to help connect their mind with their hearts.

How has the safety culture changed in the organization since Operación LIDER began?

The Northeast Operations Superintendence is, in my opinion, the area where the essence of Operación LIDER is most alive. Practically everyone breathes it and lives it. In all the work fronts or team gatherings there is always a message, a video or a conversation about Operación LIDER. We are now in a sustainability phase which will require an extra effort for Operación LIDER to finally become a part of our culture independently of the people who are currently in leadership positions.

Can you provide some examples of the culture change that you have observed as a result of this work?

Our teams are self-managed in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and even more in regards to individual and collective leadership. This shows up not just in the commitment to life, but also in other aspects such as the commitment to process integrity, operational discipline and the value of family, society and our role in ensuring the well-being of these. For example, I can point out the vast interest and the significant number of people that have been trained as trainers to lead others, both employees and partners, in the LIDER principles. Another example: in this region we have been using the term ‘Partner’ instead of contractor for quite some time, and this is now fully embedded in our culture in a very authentic and respectful way.

How does Operación LIDER differ from other programs or initiatives that have been implemented in your organization?

In my opinion, Operación LIDER is not a program or an initiative; it is a “Philosophy of Life,” which transcends the technical aspects of process safety, or HSE. Operación LIDER goes deeper in to the concepts of Individual and Collective Leadership for any aspect of life, and it’s something much more holistic and transcendental. It can change an organization, a family, a society and even a country.

How is the work of Operación LIDER complemented by the systems and procedures already present in your company?

Systems and procedures are absolutely necessary in any organization. As long as these systems and procedures don’t consider the values of the individual human being as a fundamental element, they will be followed more from obligation rather than from internal motivations. Inspiring internal motivation is what Operación LIDER accomplishes. At the same time it is the engine to get results in ethical issues, in HSE, in business goals and, in general, in all aspects of life.