Fix Frustration Factors — Part 7
Once somebody is elbow deep into an assignment, they usually don’t like being pulled off it to tend to the “priority of the moment.” Yet, this is what happens in many organizations.
Sometimes, though, it is necessary to pull someone off a lower priority task to handle a higher priority task. For example, Tim is performing PM on a motor drive for a noncritical line when a critical line goes down. Everyone is occupied, and someone will have to be pulled off to get that line running again. In this case, you pull Tim off that PM.
Suppose, however, that line isn’t critical or there’s another PM that is a few days overdue. Nobody wants a line down, and clearing up an overdue PM would be good. No matter how important those tasks are, they aren't urgent (yet), so let Tim finish what he is doing.
Switching people between tasks is usually frustrating to them and can decrease overall output. Stopping a task safely and then coming back to safely restart it both take time.
About the Author
Mark LamendolaMark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.