No one likes a braggart. Maybe that’s why so few utility managers respond to our invitations to recognize their people. Because they think that would be bragging.
That’s right in character: Infrastructure professionals typically are unassuming people and (a bit paradoxically) proud to be so. “I do my job, I do it well. That’s enough. My peers notice. If no one else does, so be it. Or maybe so much the better.”
And that’s fine — except that one thing the profession badly needs is recognition. Caring for buried infrastructure takes money, and more of it than ever as pipes continue to age and as regulatory agencies get tougher.
Where does the money come from? The public. And in these times of fiscal austerity, it’s pretty hard to get people to part with money unless they see the value and necessity. How supportive will community members be if they never stop to think about buried assets, and think of inspection, cleaning and maintenance people just as guys who wear dirty jeans to work?
Heads held high
One can argue that recognition of the profession starts with recognition for its people. That’s one of this magazine’s reasons for being. Yes, we try to share best practices, publicize new and promising technologies, encourage professional growth and excellence, and deliver news about the industry.
But we also strive to celebrate and elevate the people who make water and sewer systems work. We know for sure, because people have told us, that crew members who see themselves on these pages show up for work the next day with a little extra spring in their step. That’s true whether they appear with their team in a community profile, or simply receive a mention in the Worth Noting column.
From there, it’s easy to imagine that someone carrying a brighter attitude around the workplace also walks a little taller around town and maybe talks a little more freely about what he or she does for a living. That’s part of ambassadorship, and it can only help the industry.
Who are your heroes?
So I wonder: Where are all the calls and e-mails from managers and supervisors, telling us about the great people on their teams? Where are the notes from state and regional associations telling us about the latest award winners?
We’d love to see our Worth Noting column fill up every month with news of awards, certifications, service anniversaries and other accomplishments. Here, the job falls to the people in leadership positions. Very few in the ranks of operators are going to talk to us about themselves. They don’t want to blow their own horn. But there’s nothing wrong with having their superiors blow it for them.
We do run an occasional column, called “Unsung Heroes,” that’s designed to call attention to outstanding people in the profession. Watch future issues for a few more examples.
Celebrate the best
At the risk of seeming to blow our horn, I know that people in the field are generally happy with MSW magazine. We receive a lot of feedback in that direction. We’re always looking for ways to help the magazine serve you better.
One of the ways you can help us make it better is to tell us about the unsung heroes in your organization. Surely they have ideas that we can share in the interest of helping others in the industry become more effective professionals.
So as you read this issue of the magazine, consider asking yourself: Who on my team really stands out and has valuable insights and information to share? If you feel your whole team fits that description, tell us about that, as well.
I look forward to hearing from you. Send me a note to editor@mswmag.com and I promise to respond. Let’s work together to recognize the people who make water and sewer systems tick, keep our municipal services reliable, and keep our water clean. By doing so, we’ll help pull the industry up in the eyes of the people who pay the bills.
