By Junaid Tahir I have been managing a network upgrade project recently. This is a huge project in which our sub-contractors have to repla...
By Junaid Tahir
I have been managing a network upgrade project recently. This is a huge project in which our sub-contractors have to replace the existing machines at more than 8000 locations across UAE. In order to complete this job, the sub-contractors have assigned their resources in different part of the country to perform the sites surveys in order to note down the low level hardware details of each location. The existing hardware is installed on different locations of the city such as private buildings, government offices, malls and hospitals. The sub-contractors are having issues in visiting these locations because each location owner has a different procedure in terms of passport details, company official letter, National ID, company license number, trading number, supervisor details, online applications, filling special forms and several other requirements. Due to this issue, each city’s progress for surveys completion is different; some are slow while some are optimum.
During my daily analysis of the project, I have noticed the following behavioural approach from different resources perfuming the surveys:
1. Employee-1: Goes to the site, experiences access issue, comes back to office, complains to his manager and asks his/her support in resolving the issue. His manager supports him to resolve the issue and survey is done after some days. Employee-1 continuous the same procedure for all 1000 sites surveys
2. Employee-2: Access issue observed, comes back to office and prepares the documentation and resolve the issue at his own without involving his manager. Continuous the same procedure for all 1000 sites surveys in his city.
3. Employee-3: Access issue observed, comes back to office, completes the documentation and finalizes the requirements with the building management for future access. Keeps this document in his drawer so that it can help him in future. Continuous the same procedure for all 1000 sites surveys.
4. Employee-4: Access issue observed, completes documentation, resolve the access issue, generalize the protocol and procedure to resolve access issues in future. Prepares the database of each site, records all the detailed information about site (owner name, mobile number, access procedure, visiting timing, procedures etc) and shares this with all his colleagues to save their time for future site visits.
I have noticed that while all 4 employees are completing the given job however person-4 is the most effective person who not only is completing the job without bothering his manager but also thinking ahead as well in the best interest of the company. His smart approach will help save extra time for revisits of sites, reduce resource efforts and decrease company expenses. (Imagine, if each extra visit consumes 10 USD (petrol/TADA etc) then how much money we are talking about for 5000-8000 sites!!!
Although it’s a telecom/IT example but indeed the concept is applicable to all kind of professional fields where each employee has a different professional attitude toward the work in his/her domain. Some employees keep complaining & criticizing, while others are solution focused, responsible and efficient. So next time if you think that you and your colleague both perform the same amount of work but the boss likes the other person then think which category of employees do you belong to as per above example? Think whether you posses short vision or futuristic vision? Think whether you think locally or think globally? Think whether your work on tasks (to make things done) or on procedures (to improve the overall cost and efficiency)? Think whether you are an organized person and record your activities more professionally or just don’t care about mature documentation ? Remember, it’s all about your approach and at attitude that makes you a better employee!!! You may want to read my article whether Hard work Will Guarantee My Professional Growth?
Junaid Tahir, a Telecom Engineer, a Program Manager and a Blogger, writes articles on professionalism, wisdom, happiness and stress management at his personal blog. Subscribe to His Google Group here. Contac him at mjunaidtahir@gmail.com for all kinds of constructive feedback.
