Functioning in the new workplace

Scott G. Martindale
Operations Coordinator - Pascagoula
Chevron Shipping

Previous contributions to this page have addressed the significant changes that our industry has witnessed. The effects on the workplace from downsizing, re-engineering, globalization, out-sourcing, and alliances have been discussed. Now we should ask how these changes have affected the way we, as individual employees, should function in this new workplace, both to ensure the viability of our respective organizations and to enhance our careers.

Given the thinning of management ranks, employees must be empowered to conduct the necessary business. That means managers must keep a loose rein and trust employees to produce. This higher-risk mindset inevitably will lead to higher levels of conflict, but also compromise, cooperation, and individual accountability. On the other hand, employees must accept self-responsibility for their performance, productivity, job and personal satisfaction, and career development, as described below:

1. Embrace change and self-motivate.

   You must be receptive and adaptive to change, as if you accepted a new job with a new employer. Be conscious of conflict and resistance to change from coworkers and subordinates. Surround yourself with the positive folks and avoid the naysayers. Use your energy more productively than to resist change. Remember that every change creates both hardship and opportunity - focus on the opportunities.

2. Take control of your career development.

   Improve your communications skills, including writing, speaking, interpersonal, and teamwork skills. You are likely to have greater visibility in a leaner organization, so how you come across to management and customers is critical to both your career and your company's success.

   Enhance your understanding of the financial/commercial aspects of the industry and your company's activities Having business savvy cannot be overestimated in today's highly competitive world. NPV, lRR, ROCE, cash flow, payout, cost/benefit, financing arrangements, and financial risk management are some of the important concepts in the commercial arena.

   Develop and maintain good computer skills. The future of all business activity will revolve around the computer and will eventually link into the emerging information superhighway.

   Consider developing skills in a foreign language. Examine the places in which your company or your primary customers are making large capital investments. Spanish, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), and Vietnamese are a few languages that may prove useful.

   Consider developing a measure of expertise in a particular field or technical specialty that is important to the company's future. Many folks, in an effort to remain versatile and flexible, never develop a true expertise that makes them especially valuable to an organization. There are many "hot" fields in the petroleum industry today, including 3-D seismic, floating production, subsea completions, alliance-building, and common operating environment computing, just to name a few.

   In general, however, you should seek to develop transportable skills to remain competitive in the job market. Read, attend seminars and courses, and accept broadening assignments and lateral job moves. The skills and loyalties that served you well in the past may be outdated - don't let them become your nemesis.

   Furthermore, understand that your relationship with your organization has changed. As many painfully have learned, there are no more entitlements - not even your job. So behave as though you are self-employed and take personal responsibility for your career development. Keep your resume current, and always be on the lookout for potential career opportunities. In fact, after an organizational redesign, you might need a resume to reapply for your current job!

3. Enhance your reputation in the company.

   Now, more than ever, you must demonstrate initiative. Develop a reputation as a problem-solver, rather than playing the blame game. Assume ownership of problems and spearhead the solution process. Work with a sense of urgency, and seek radical breakthroughs rather than merely incremental improvements.

   Above all, think in terms of adding value. Keep in mind that you are not paid for your longevity or activity level. You are paid strictly for your current performance and contributions toward the organization's objectives.

4. Focus on customer needs and company goals.

   Identify your customers, both internal and external, then really get to know them, personally as well as professionally, so that you can anticipate their needs and be responsive. Concentrate on and hold yourself accountable for your organization's goals and objectives rather than merely going through the motions of the normal work process. Look beyond the specifics of your job description and prevailing processes to ensure that you are doing all you can to serve the customer and help achieve your work group's objectives.

   Moreover, set goals for yourself that relate to improved performance for the work group. Worrying all the time about your own situation and career progress eventually may consume you, making you mistrustful and alienated as you begin to see others as adversaries for limited opportunities. Focusing on strong teamwork and customer service not only will build a healthier organization, but also will lead to better job security and career opportunities for you.

This page reflects viewpoints on the political, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental issues that will shape the future of our industry. Offshore Magazine invites you to share your thoughts. Send your manuscript toBeyond the Horizon, Offshore Magazine, Box 1941, Houston, TX 77251 USA. Manuscripts will not be returned.

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