Developing a High Reliability Organization

Today’s world is full of the unexpected. System failures, terrorism events, disease outbreaks, and superstorms disrupt businesses every day, sometimes to an unrecoverable point. Despite these challenges, some services (such as power plants, hospitals, and airports) have no choice but to continue operating.

This course will explore how these organizations maintain high reliability even in times of serious crisis and stability. We will share their secrets in a way that can be applied to all organizations in order to create high reliability and continued success.

Course Topics:

Session One: Course Overview

Session Two: What is a High Reliability Organization?

Session Three: Key Concepts

• Expectations, Normalization, and Mindfulness
• Making Connections

Session Four: The Anticipation Principles

• Preoccupation with Failure
• Resistance to Simplification
• Sensitivity to Operations

Session Five: The Containment Principles

• Commitment to Resilience
• Deference to Expertise

Session Six: Auditing for High Reliability

• Auditing Techniques
• Making Connections
• Sample Audit Questions

Session Seven: Test Driving

• Case Study
• Making Connections
• Recommended Reading List
• Personal Action Plan