“Walking the Plant Floor”
I have two stories to tell, one from my personal experience and one from a client meeting I had yesterday. Both stories are about staying grounded and staying connected to what really matters at work. Both stories are about maintaining energy and confidence. This is tough to do sometimes particularly when we are busy and working on issues we don't love. I'll start with my story.
When I first started working, I worked in labor relations for an aircraft manufacturer. Relations with the union were terrible. Our department spent most of each day researching how to say "no" to the various grievances filed on a daily basis. We spent two days a week in grievance meetings with union representatives arguing the most pressing grievances. We had file cabinets full of grievances that we never even got to. I'm sure you are thinking, "How discouraging!" and indeed it was. I didn't work there long but while I was there, I got some good advice from a colleague. I still think about and take this advice regularly. He said,
"When you really need to remember why you are doing this and what really matters, do what I do and walk the plant floor."
The plant floor was huge. There were many skilled employees and their managers making airplanes. It was fascinating to watch. Most people had great pride in what they were doing and loved to talk about it. Whenever I returned from "walking the plant floor", I had a renewed sense of purpose and clarity around what really mattered -- the people making the airplanes.
Here's story number two. One of my clients has been "walking the plant floor" (figuratively) and she told me about it yesterday. She is a member of a Professional Service Firm. She has had a particularly difficult year. Business in her area of the country is off. There are all the staff issues and political challenges that come with tougher times. Her focus has been internal and been on issues that at times can be quite discouraging (underperforming staff, political infighting,etc.)
She needed to "walk the plant floor" again. Walking the plant floor for her is spending time with her clients and meeting new clients. This women is great with clients, she loves to be out in the market and she loves to help clients solve their issues. She has spent the past month doing that. How has it helped? Here's what she said to me,
"I have some new work. It is a start. I feel more confident and more energy around my work. The staff issues that were weighing me down seem less difficult. I can handle them."
Next time you need a shot of energy and confidence, think about "walking the plant floor." Get out from behind your computer and meet people who are most important to what you do. You'll be surprised at how refreshed you feel from that simple act.
Posted by Sandra Oliver on May 30, 2008
Communications, Employee & Customer Engagement, Influencing, Leadership, Team Effectiveness, Workplace Issues
