Learning Opportunities
I cited Scott Savor for his contribution to yesterday’s post. Scott is headed to the University of Tennessee to work with Pat Summitt, but he had mentioned those two questions to our daughter in his role as a human performance specialist in Tampa. Scott told Carla to ask her coach, what can I do better? and what am I doing well? Scott said that if she did this on a routine basis it would blow her coach away. He said hardly any athletes take this direct approach with their coach and in addition to improving her game, it would make her stand out.
I was actually with Scott when he told her this. When I heard those two questions, the little guy in white who sits on my shoulder practically kicked me in the ear: David! Technicians need to ask their managers these questions!
The point is learning moments in one area of life often pertain to learning opportunities in another. The key is to pay attention and keep your radar up at all times. Do this a little bit and you’ll want to do it alot.
The Little Guy’s Cousin
You know about the little guys, right? One dresses in black the other in white. They sit on your shoulders. They tell you to do stuff.
The little guy in white has a cousin whose name is Curiosity. Curiosity lives in his neighborhood. Curiosity thinks you are the coolest and will hang out with you all day long - if you pay attention to him.
Curiosity can juice your work and jack your career. Like the little guys, Curiosity talks to you. He’s always asking you, why did it do that? Or, how does that work? Or, what would happen if it did that? Sometimes you listen to him and sometimes you don’t. You know you always feel good, when after listening to him, you dig in and find the answer to his questions. You know you feel pretty crappy when you let the little guy dressed in black talk you out of digging for those answers…you know you do.
A key towards your professional development is to let Curiousity ride along next to you in your pack (it goes without saying the little guy in white is already riding point – right?) Curiousity will need a little guidance and direction from time to time, but he is one of the most powerful friends you’ll ever have.
Questions: Your Manager
Questions is a category designed to help technicians who are already working in the field figure out if their place of employment is getting it done for them.
Note: some companies use both a supervisor and a manager. The manager is sometimes referred to as the service manager, the operations manager, the installation manager or the general manager. Sometimes this person owns the company. We’ll discuss the supervisor position in the future.
Has your manager communicated in clear and concise language what he expects from you in regards to?
- personal hygeine, image and dress
- education
- safety
- your vehicle
- customers
- coworkers
- work related responsibilities
- performance
- being punctual
Has your manager communicated in clear and concise language what you can expect from him?
Does your manager (or a person whom he designates), make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment to do your job?
Does your manager make sure you have the opportunity to do what you do best everyday?
Does your manager praise you for doing good work?
Do you feel appreciated by your manager?
Questions: Your Employer
Questions is a category designed to help technicians who are already working in the field figure out if their place of employment is getting it done for them.
Is your company known to pay below average, average or above average wages?
Is your company known to offer below average, average or above average benefits?
Does your company have written job descriptions?
Does your company offer a minimum of 80 hours of paid education per year (company meeting where policy and procedures are discussed do not count)?
Does your company have an educational classroom?
Does your company have a safety program?
Are members of the office staff required to attend?
Does your company offer spiffs for any product or service that you sell?
Questions: Your Work
Questions is a category designed to help technicians who are already working in the field figure out if their place of employment is getting it done for them.
Do customers appreciate your work?
Have at least four customers called your office this week to commend your work?
Do your coworkers appreciate your work?
How do you know?
Does your manager appreciate your work?
How do you know?
