The importance of being Earnest

The importance of being EarnestTraffic Chiefs of South Africa Conference 2013Presenter: Howard Dembovsky: Justice Project South Africa

What this presentation is not aboutFor those who were expecting a trivial comedy for serious people sorry, its not that.For those who have or are thinking of naming their sons Earnest sorry, its not that either.You will be pleased to note that its not a high English lesson either So what is this presentation about?The English dictionary defines the word Earnest as being:

resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction

It is therefore about our true commitment to the job at hand, having passion and showing it!Anyone canSimply ignore others listening only to themselves.Say to everyone else do as I say! (not as I do).Stage a show of force every now and then.Carry on with business as usual.Dress things up to make things appear to be better than they are.

But the net results arePeople stop making suggestions for fear of being ignored or indeed ridiculed.Periodic shows of force become an acceptable risk of getting caught.Instead of actually doing what you say, people star copying what you do.Everything including credibility suffers.People continue to die and be maimed.

Lets ask a simple questionSince the beginning of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011 2020, what has been done that dramatically differs from whats been done before?

Actions speak louder than words.

If at first you dont succeedThe definition of insanity isdoing the same thingover and over again and expecting different results.

You can only learn from amistakeafter you admit you've made it. Human beings make mistakes. Its really not the end of the world.When youre really earnestPeople see it and many cant resist being swept along with it.They start listening when you talk and start paying attention to what you say.Fact People like to copy the actions other people they also like to criticise what they view to be pure talk.

Whos going to do it?

The importance of being EarnestTraffic Chiefs of South Africa Conference 2013Presenter: Howard Dembovsky: Justice Project South Africa

Thank you for your attention.