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jumper wire, really?


Okay already, do I have to say it?  Are you really that insecure?  Avid Andy's mind began to flashback; jumping the safeties because you did not understand how to read a schematic, manually forcing the new-fangled VFD at 60hz since the "last system" never changed speed, blaming that new magnetic compressor for the lack of cooling in the building (due to its size) ... by the way where do I check the oil?  Each one of these, and there are countless other examples, have the same root issue:  humans. 

You can see the frustration flood over Andy's face, very similar to that of Charlie Brown as he endured tireless teasing from Snoopy.  It seems convenient, especially as time causes our opinions to become increasingly cynical, to respond with "they just don't give a crap".  Reluctant Ruth, the epitome of cynicism,  shouts out, "possibly you should hold a mirror up to yourself, this issue has stood the test of time, it squarely lies on the shoulders of the organization and their approach to support field workers".  As Ruth continues Andy jots down the most salient points:  

  • Spotlight.  Most field activity has the potential to threaten my perceived worth to the organization. I promoted myself when you hired me, convinced you to pay me over scale, and now I can't understand this new control strategy or piece of equipment.  Do I call you?  Reach out to others for help?  What happens if my "secret" gets out that I don't know everything, will my job be at risk? 
  • Stagnate.   At the core of any field worker is the desire to figure things out, could it be possible that your organization has simply not facilitated the convenient access to knowledge, experts, context?  Are you inadvertently creating an environment in which workers stagnate?
  • Support.  Not our job, we hire professional service personnel and expect them to hit the ground running.  Au contraire,  a culture which encourages others to ask questions when they need to, without fear of judgment or repercussion, will prevail in this rapidly changing world

It is only when humans internalize the reason why that you will tap into visceral performance.  This combination of feelings and intellect will unlock incredible value for your clients and employees.

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Next post:  who's data is it?
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