It doesn’t matter what you make or where you do it, the principles of manufacturing are the same. And, no matter what, you’re going to meet all kinds.
So, if I have made electronics, sinks, auto parts and ice cream treats, surely I can make Natural Health Products. And it seems that I am right – I can. Well, in moments of confidence anyways.
But it’s those conversations that you realize that despite it taking place in English, you really have no idea of what anyone is talking about. And wonder if you ever will. I tend to spend about 50% of my time not knowing what question to ask first and the other half of the time trying to figure out who I should be asking those questions to. What am I doing? What are you saying? What?
Skills that have served me well so far:
- Ability to repeat word for word what someone has told me – even if it is just sounds to me. “It is my understanding that the didicator is disrupting the lubrication flow into the main chamber. It is causing insufficient cooling and creating warp within the finished goods. We need tear down and insert a refabricated piece to protect the integrity of the machine. All in all, I think it will take about 4-6 hours.” Just what did I say? I don’t know, but boy did that sound like I was up on what was going on.
- Looking interested and engaged on the outside despite roiling turmoil on the inside. “That was great coverage of the issues at hand.”
- Appearing to be soliciting the team’s opinion when you’re just really hoping someone can tell you what to do. ” Hmm, that is a complex problem. I know how I’ve handled similar in the past. But do yo you have any recommendations on how we should proceed?”
- Sincerely apologizing for your ignorance when all of the above fails.
October 17th, 2012 Extra-Ordinary: Maybe I can do this? I am not sure, but I am either going to do it, or build more strategies to fake it.
The Daily EO 