The Real Cost of Cutting Corners-Part 3:
Building a No-Corner-Cutting Culture
Written by: Ken Lulow
You don’t need a title to be a leader.
In the field, the strongest leaders are often the ones who quietly show up, do it right, and keep their crew tight. They don’t need to bark orders or demand respect, it’s earned by how they work, how they communicate, and how they prioritize safety.
In Part 1, we talked about why corners get cut. In Part 2, we saw the consequences of those decisions.
Now, let’s talk about what you can do today to build a crew culture where safety isn’t just a rule, it’s the way of life.
Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Speed matters, but not at the cost of safety. Crews that rush through tailboards, skip steps, or assume everyone’s on the same page are actually slower in the long run. Why? Because injuries, close calls, and miscommunication bring everything to a halt.
If you take the time to get it right on the front end, the job flows smoother, trust builds, and the team gets stronger.
Pace sets the stage. Be the one who says, “Let’s do this the right way.”
Speak Up—Respectfully, But Clearly
It doesn’t matter if you’re the greenest apprentice or a seasoned journeyman, if you see something off, say something.
“Hey, did we check voltage?”
“I didn’t catch the clearance; can we go over that again?”
“Can we revisit the tailboard really quick?”
That one voice might be the difference between getting it done and getting someone hurt.
And if you’re a foreman or lead? Encourage that kind of speaking up. Reward it, don’t ridicule it.
Don’t Just Know the Rules—Live Them
Tailboards. PPE. M.A.D. Voltage testing. Clearance procedures. Grounding.
You’ve heard them all a thousand times, but here’s the question: Do you treat them like boxes to check, or lifelines to follow?
The best crews are the ones where the basics are never overlooked. The crews where it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done the job—you still brief, you still suit up, you still test.
Take Ownership of New Apprentices
If you’re mentoring someone new to the trade, you’re teaching them way more than how to climb, splice, or troubleshoot. You’re teaching them what’s acceptable.
Every time you skip a step, look the other way, or act like you’re above the rules, they’re watching. And they’re learning.
Be the reason they build good habits early. Be the reason they go home safe, every time.
Make Safety Personal
This isn’t about rules and policies. It’s about people. Your crew. Your family. Your legacy.
Hang a photo of your kid in your locker. Write your spouse’s name inside your hard hat. Find a way to make safety mean something personal, because when the job gets tough, you’re not thinking about checklists… you’re thinking about who you’re coming home to.
Challenge: Set a New Standard
If you've read this far, you're already someone who cares. So, here's a challenge:
This week, stop yourself before a shortcut.
Speak up once, even if it feels awkward.
Pull a new apprentice aside and share one lesson you wish someone told you earlier.
Lead one tailboard with intention, not just out of obligation.
The real cost of cutting corners isn’t just injury, it’s missed opportunity.
The opportunity to lead. To mentor. To change culture. To raise the bar.
Final Word
Cutting corners is easy.
Doing it right? That takes integrity. Discipline. Courage.
And the best part? That mindset spreads. When one person leads by example, others follow. Crew by crew, the culture shifts.
Let it start with you.
5 STEPS TO BUILD A NO-CORNER-CUTTING CREW CULTURE
1. Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast
Slow down to start, hold a job briefing with purpose, communicate expectations, clearly layout each team members roles and the goals for the day.
2. Speak Up
Communicate when you see someone drifting outside the boundaries, stop and coach the correct actions, don’t shrug it off.
3. Follow the Basics—Every Time
Establish a foundation, job briefings with purpose, PPE, safe work practices, make them foundational.
4. Mentor the Right Way
Someone is always watching you and looking up to you no matter your position or title. Be the leader you needed, show them how to do it right, be the example.
5. Make It Personal
Think of all the people outside of yourself. Your family. Your kids. Your crew. Your crew’s family. Your future self. Work safe because they're counting on you.
