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Aerospace Welcomes Tag Delegates

LEADING AND MOTIVATING THE FACILITIES TEAM

Review of the one day conference held on Wednesday, 1 April, 1998 at British Aero-space, Warton.

Another popular Facilities TAG conference took place in early April, attracting over 50 delegates. Despite the venue, no one managed a flight in a Tornado, Harrier or Hawk but by the end everyone felt they were ¡®Leading and Motivating' on a higher plane than before.

The subject is far from new of course, but it remains fundamental for successful management. The theory was covered in a short, sharp and direct session by Howard Naylor who reminded us of the different styles of leadership and how the various styles can complement any team. Stan Pearson, who also arranged the venue, gave an informative insight into Facilities Management at Warton. We were welcomed by Site Manager Jim O¡¯Shaughnessey who expertly provided an overview into Aerospace and the different projects currently in manufacture. Delegates were struck by the difference in available investment in the aerospace industry compared with the NHS, but despite this it was clear that the principles involved in managing people and resources are very similar. Ken Jarrold proved to be an excellent first speaker, who professionally delivered a personal message on the subject of leadership. There was a great deal of information to be gained, but I particularly liked his 10 point plan (below) which I have displayed on my office wall as a poignant reminder:

• Have passion for the job
• Always look for improvements
• Be interested in outcomes and not just the inputs
• Be open and diverse in your approach
• Seek consensus as well as using your own ideas
• Admit when you have made a mistake - encourage others to admit their mistakes also
• Be profoundly concerned about your people
• Find out what your users think of your services
• Accept reality - simplify the 'vision' to your staff
• Respect the relationship you have with professional colleague

Geoff Callan, a known speaker at TAG conferences, gave us a relatively light hearted look at Leadership and Motivation in a Facilities Directorate, with some serious and important messages which were well received. Steven Hogg gave an excellent and thought-provoking session on recognising and managing stress and delegates listened intently as Steven diagnosed the symptoms of A, B and C stress types. Watch out if you are restless, make decisions too quickly, suffer from insomnia, enjoy hot and spicy foods and indulge in excessive sexual activity you are in danger of suffering Stress Type A (make the most of it!).

The day concluded with an unusual yet exciting session by Major David Waters,
who spoke of his experiences in Bosnia, where he managed the disarming of land mines and the distress inevitably associated with such a task. All delegates rated the conference highly and without exception felt that it represented value for money. BAe proved excellent hosts: facilities were good, lunch in the Ribble Restaurant was first class, and the guided coach tour around the vast site was most interesting and informative. Sadly, Trevor Jones was unable to fulfil a personal dream and sit in the cockpit of a Tornado. He was also unlucky when it came to winning the prize-draw (a model plane kindly donated by BAe). Never mind, Trevor, better luck next time!

Carol Molyneux, Assistant Director of Facilities - Hotel Services Manager, Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Trust.