It’s that time of year where we all start making ‘resolutions’. Even if you’re not the type to make New Year’s
resolutions, you’ve probably found yourself setting goals for the new
year. Loosing weight/getting in better
shape is probably the most common on, with spending more time with the family
coming in a close second. This year my
goal has become very long term. I’ve
mapped out a five year plan for my professional growth that I’m setting into
motion right now. Mind you, it’s not a
New Year’s resolution, but a new path and inspiration in life. Oh yeah, and I need to shed a few pounds too!
Also with the new year comes the nearing of my annual review
at work. This will be my first true
annual review as I was on a six month schedule that ended last year. Now, one year into being a full Tech (not an
apprentice), I can’t believe the time has flown by so quickly. I also look back and can’t believe how much I’ve
grown. Just yesterday I was
troubleshooting a REN Network going through a Cisco managed switch at a
somewhat secure government laboratory facility.
When I started this job I not only didn’t know what a REN network was, I
didn’t know what a managed switch was either.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re still a bit of a mystery to me, but I’m
working on it. And that’s what this is
all about.
You see, as I have made my way down this path of being a
controls technician, I’ve looked around a bit.
For the most part, everyone ahead of me is riding the wave. They’re not paddling ahead of it, they’re not
steering to one side or the other, they’re just getting their job done and
learning what gets thrown at them. I don’t
see a lot of drive to go where no tech has gone before. I don’t even see a lot of desire to improve
the company, and this saddens me even more.
At my company, we preach the virtues of speaking up, being open and
honest, and identifying room for improvement or growth. Yet there seems to be very little drive in
this direction. In fact, as I’m rolling
out my plan, I’m starting to feel as if there will be massive resistance to my
plan. What gives?
So my current advice to anyone out there looking to improve
themselves and improve their company is exactly what I’m planning. Improve yourself first, and that alone will
drive positive change in those you spend the most time with. Become a thought leader, and influence others
through your own actions. From there,
watch your influence bring others up. As
others improve, so will your company, and before you know it you’ll have what
you wanted all along. But what if that’s
not fast enough for you? I feel your
pain, as I doubt I can push my company as fast as my goals. Perhaps somewhere down the line I’ll have to grow
without my company, but for now I’m taking them as far as I can, kicking and
screaming.
The next big hurdle I see before me is the industry as a
whole. While this is probably a whole series
of posts in itself, I’ll leave you with something I picked up from the Building
Science Podcast and have as my email tagline…
Design around
people, and good buildings will follow.
Insist on a good
building, and appropriate processes follow.
For an industry
process to change, perspectives must change.
