Why ask questions?
Last summer my department (IMSSO Integrated Maintenance and Site Services Operations) was transferred under the corporate engineering group. The new director of engineering gave a presentation to roll out the changes and future plans. After his presentation I asked, “What role does LSG play as part of engineering?” His answer was basically to help keep the labs they design running. Since he was new I didn’t push to much.
An end of the year meeting was announced for last Monday. A supervisor came to me before hand and said the meeting was because of me. I pushed him to explain. It turns out my question to the director took him back because he didn’t really see our role in engineering. That caused him to look closer, ask questions and have talks with our customers.
Now the director of IMSSO is demoted. The supervisors he lead didn’t like him to much. He squashed their ideas, refused to let the department grow with the rest of the company and was focused on creating new bureaucracies instead of improving the present work flows. He kept rolling out initiatives that consumed resources but didn’t provide any improvements for the customers we support.
During the end of year meeting it looked like he was going to break down and cry. He struggled through it and sat down.
My manager had a meeting with the Engineering Director. Our groups ideas for the future were laid out. Appearently the guy never heard these ideas and agreed they should be worked on. Such a suprise.
People are excited now. The cap has been removed. All because I asked a question. I’ve joked with some that they owe me lunch because I got the big boss out of the way.
