Features
Publisher’s Perspective: Fall 2011
Recently while working with a group of stakeholders, I was reminded by one of the attitudes at the table of a valuable lesson I learned many years ago. I hadn’t been in class too long and one day our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a fairly good student, had studied my assignments and had no trouble at all until I read the last one:
“What is the first name of the janitor who cleans the school?”
I thought surely this was some kind of joke. The question had nothing at all to do with algebra. I had passed him in the hallway several times. He looked like a janitor was supposed to look like. He was tall, kind of gray headed and a lot older than me, but how would I know his name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one of the students asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
“Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.”
I missed the question, but I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I learned his name was Henry and he had a lot to offer by way of perspective to anyone who took the time to learn that he wasn’t always a janitor.
In like manner, all stakeholder perspectives are important in defining what is fair and what will be effective in protecting our vital underground facilities. Issues of trust and fairness must be recognized, understood and fairly resolved.
The very nature of partnerships involves the perceptions of the participating stakeholders in how their interests and concerns are being addressed. If we fail to genuinely respect the points of view of other stakeholders, coming together will not culminate in staying together.
I encourage all stakeholders to take the time to learn about the other industries, personalities and perspectives that sit at the table with you. We also must learn to value each other’s insight into the business practices and the “practical considerations” that exist in our companies. Such insight and respect for insight is crucial to successful program development and implementation.
In damage prevention to say that my utility’s success is not tied to your utility’s success is like saying “Your end of the boat is sinking.”
Let’s work together to make it happen right here in our state!
