Feb 12, 2022 | ENGINEER & COMMUNICATE, Uncategorized
Logical Actions – Illogical Results
It is very likely that most of us have been there at some time – Something is just not right. The Logical Actions are producing Illogical Results
We have checked – double checked and triple checked – but the results are exactly the same – and not what they should be.
It can be annoying – frustrating – dangerous and much more.
We have followed the Logical process BUT the results are Illogical
What do we do now ?????
Logical Action which produce Illogical Results are not black magic and surely they can always be explained.
There will be a reason why – However getting to that explanation is obviously not so simple and straightforward.
It may be that a decimal point is in the wrong place and regardless of how many times we check the calculation – out brain does not pick it up. Or it could be something similar.
I often think about the Mars Climate Orbiter project back in 1999. The Root Cause of the disaster was a mix up between imperial and metric units. We look at it now and say “how on Earth (or Mars) could that have happened” – but it did.
Engineering should be simple. A button is pressed – A lever is pulled, an electrical charge applied, a chemical reaction started, structural members erected. There is a known, direct result from a positive action. No magic – All logical and explainable with basic and simple (or maybe not so simple) mathematics.
So why does it become so difficult?
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein is credited with this gem –
“Scientists investigate that which already is;
Engineers create that which has never been.”
And in that creation process there could be an awful lot of variables which need to be accounted for.
Logical Actions – Illogical Results – Why??? The Thinker by Auguste Rodin
We are well aware of the old saying – Doing the same things in exactly the same way and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. And insanity is not what you need – but a rational, logical, reasonable approach – to solve the problems.
This web page is not attempting to teach heavy instruction – The aim is to follow the 3R Philosophy
Review – Refresh – Reset
and always follow the KISS Principle
Conclusion
- Take a step back from the “Coal Face” and try to take a Birds Eye overview.
Take “Time Out”
- There are many problem solving techniques which can be used – and everyone has a favourite. For example – it may be – Six Sigma – Waterfall – 5 Why – Deep Dive etc
- Can the issue/problem be taken back to “the team” for reassessment or review
- Will a completely unconnected colleague see something which is being missed or look at things from a completely different perspective and see an answer
Remember – If it was easy – anyone could do it and they would not need you
Not Only – But Also …..
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Looking for “A Better Way” – Go to – Engineering the 3R Way for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset and link to the full list of topics
- Then Take A Break – With the List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Or check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits
Jan 21, 2022 | ENGINEER & COMMUNICATE, Uncategorized
Identify and manage each step with a Work Breakdown Structure
Work Breakdown Structure
As with most tools which are used in Engineering and Project Management, there are times when it should be regarded as absolutely essential and there are other times when it just isn’t worth the effort. This page isn’t about teaching Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Its about knowing when and why it should be used.
Overview
As the saying goes, “Familiarity Breeds Contempt”.
I had been through a long period of time dealing with very competent engineering contractors. I didn’t need to get into a great deal of detail. I told them what I wanted, when I wanted it and it happened. Too Easy
A few years ago I was working as a Project Manager in a food company which ran 24/6. I was working on a contract basis and they directed that I use a particular contractor (who was new to me) in order to modify some process conveyors in 2 stages. There was a window of opportunity over a long weekend for the first stage.
The contractor came in to look at the work beforehand and was very convincing, I had no reason to think that they would not do an excellent job.
Without going into detail, it was an absolute disaster and whilst we managed to get a result, it was more by good luck plus a lot of very hard, stressful work.
It was a wake up call for me
I made sure that the second stage was fully covered by a very comprehensive Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Again, the work needed to be done during a planned outage, over a weekend
- This time it was planned to the nth degree
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Every nut and bolt was captured
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Who was doing what and estimated timelines for the work
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There was contingency for additional resource in the event that the work was falling behind
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When I first advised the contractor that I needed a comprehensive WBS I met severe resistance
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This was a foreign concept – they had never experienced this before
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To start with it was very painful, I worked hand in hand with them during the initial part of the process highlighting specifically the level of detail required
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Once the initial resistance was broken down they could appreciate the benefits
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By asking the questions such as Who will do it ?, How will it be done ? , Walk me through the work, most of the issues where identified and solved before the work actually started
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The second stage was a breath of fresh air by comparison with the first stage and was very successful
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The contractors were very pleased to take on board the learning’s and I know that they were using it as a sales tool by actively promoting the WBS process to their customers
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My learning’s were – to not get complacent and to always ask the question – Does this project need a WBS ? and if it does – to what level of detail
Not every project needs a WBS – It’s a value judgement which comes with experience.
If in doubt – ask the question
Still not sure ? – Just Do It
Not Only – But Also ……
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Open List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Regardless of your current status – always ask the question – Is there a Better Way and
visit the 3R web page for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset
- Whenever possible – always follow the KISS Principle
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
- check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits
Jan 21, 2022 | ENGINEER & COMMUNICATE
You Need A Solid Defense To CYA – Cover Your Anatomy
CYA – Cover Your Anatomy
It’s critical to always apply a CYA – Cover Your Anatomy strategy. They may be your best friends or closest confidants or business colleagues – But if the sediment hits the fan – The blame games can start – and the chances are that they will be doing everything they can to make sure that it is not them taking the heat.
It is amazing how recollections of verbal conversations or meetings can vary. How the meaning or understanding can change very quickly, if a project or other scenario does not go to plan. Particularly if there are serious ramifications. The blame for poor decisions then needs to be apportioned – generally to other people. Sometimes you can’t cover your anatomy with steel plate – as much as you might like to. But there are other ways to CYA – Cover Your Anatomy
TIPS & TRICKS
Use CYA with – Keep a Paper Trail or an Email Trail
Don’t rely on verbal conversation, instruction or assurance
- Chances are that there may be all sorts of games being played in the background which you are not aware of
- And you want to avoid getting caught up in any internal politics
- Every circumstance is different – work through the “What If” scenarios to CYA
- Make sure that you always apply a CYA strategy – just in case….
- So that there is nothing to come back and bite you at a later date
- Documentation is critical – third parties may have been involved in verbal exchanges but their recollections may not be the same as your recollections and/or they may be seeking their own CYA strategy
- Get it in writing and dated
- If the other person(s) will not agree to put it in writing – You must put it in writing and ask them to sign or initial a dated copy
- If they refuse to sign – note on the document that they were asked and refused
- Each job is different – it doesn’t need to be a legal document – the main thing is that the meaning is clear and unambiguous – see Documentation
- For example – A simple sentence along the lines of ….”John Smith and I verbally agreed to XYZ etc. “ signed and dated by both parties
- If the other party refuses to sign – it may be…
- ”John Smith and I verbally agreed to XYZ etc. – John Smith declined to sign this document” with your name in capital letters plus signature plus date
- Remain civilized and polite if someone refuses to sign – that is their right – However…..
- It is not surprising that many people who initially decline to sign will change their minds when advised that it will be recorded on the document that they declined and will often seek to reword some parts – All Good – if the” meaning” remains
- Remember – This is not a legally binding document – but demonstrates your intent to record the agreement and/or conversation etc
- There is an old saying – “if its not documented – it never happened”
- And most importantly – ensure that you have a good filing system – so that if you ever do need it – you can find it
- It is always good to ask a third person who is completely unfamiliar with the project to read and confirm that the meaning is clear and that there is no ambiguity
We hope that it will never be needed – however Murphy’s Law tells us that if we have it – chances are it will not be needed – However if we don’t have it ……….
Not Only – But Also….
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Open List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Regardless of your current status – always ask the question – Is there a Better Way and
visit the 3R web page for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset
- Whenever possible – always follow the KISS Principle
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
- Check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits
Jan 21, 2022 | ENGINEER & COMMUNICATE, Uncategorized
Hand written Documentation – The Old Way
Documentation
Documentation – Too Much or Not Enough ?
There is a time and place for very thorough documentation but not every job or interaction needs it
If the job doesn’t need it – it is a waste of time, energy and cash.
If it is required and you ain’t got it – there could be a big problem. There is an old saying – “if it’s not documented – it ever happened”
Overview
- We are all different people
- Some people will instinctively produce lots of documentation whether it is required or not
Too Much Documentation ? – OR Not Enough ?
- Others are very light on documentation, even though it is obviously required
- The level of documentation needs to suit the job at hand
- If it is an Engineering Scope of Work, Technical Document or very specific subject matter – then it needs to cover EVERY contingency. Every last minor detail needs to be covered.
- The Minutes of a meeting may not need all of the arguments – BUT need to be very clear regarding what action was agreed and – if there was dissent – it needs to document that dissent and by whom
- Grey areas are informal/chance verbal interactions – or a casual conversation – if important decisions or comments are made which are binding or similar – they need to be captured.
- Emails are a good way – with a cc to your manager and any other relative people –
- It could be something along the lines of:-
- Following our conversation on Tuesday 10th March – I confirm that it was agreed to XXXXX etc …. Please confirm or otherwise
- Not all people are good to deal with – some people will have a notorious reputation for being difficult – not responding to emails etc – If you have to deal with a person like this – You may wish to end your email with a sentence such as …. “Unless specifically advised otherwise, I will take it that the above meets with your approval”…. And of course cc everyone who may have even the slightest interest in the project
- It is vitally important that all documentation is clear and unambiguous
- It is always a good idea to get a third party who is completely unfamiliar with the project or subject matter to look over the documentation and confirm that it is clear and understandable
- At the end of the day – Think CYA – Cover Your Anatomy
- And finally – ensure that you have a very good Filing System – so that if needed – you can actually find it!
Not Only – But Also ….
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Open List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Regardless of your current status – always ask the question – Is there a Better Way and visit the 3R web page for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset
- Whenever possible – always follow the KISS Principle
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
- Check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits
Jan 21, 2022 | ENGINEER & COMMUNICATE, Uncategorized
The Sports Team Way To Success
The Sports Team Way To Success doesn’t just happen by accident – There is a lot of “off field” work by the coaching staff
Some sports teams are consistently successful – year after year after year. Playing in very competitive environments. It could be the Pittsburgh Steelers or New England Patriots playing in the American NFL. It could be the Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers playing in the American NBA. It could be Manchester United or Real Madrid playing in the European Football Leagues.
The same names seem to be there all of the time. Whilst others teams come, have a brief moment of fame and then disappear into the backwaters.
Why is this so? And can the same philosophy for successful sports teams be applied to successful businesses?
Or – Can you – as an individual – apply the sporting ethos and philosophies to your work, in order to be the best that you possibly can be.
- Study the successful teams
- Why are they consistently successful
- How do they build a culture of success
- What makes a positive winning attitude
- There are many factors
- You don’t need to “reinvent the wheel”
- They don’t give up after a loss – but take the learning’s on board and come back stronger
- In very competitive environments they manage to find a (what is sometimes a very small) winning edge
Going Forwards ..
If you think that adopting the sporting philosophy will get you the winners trophy – there are many resources “out there” for you to follow up
Not Only – But Also …….
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Open List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Regardless of your current status – always ask the question – Is there a Better Way and
visit the 3R web page for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset
- Whenever possible – always follow the KISS Principle
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
- Check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits
