Public Power - November 2008 - (Page 30)

Keeping a Job Journal Public Utility Governance Workshop Embassy Suites Downtown Convention Center Tampa, Florida | December 8–9, 2008 Tone it down. Have you ever heard someone say, “It wasn’t so much what he said, it was the tone in his voice?” Well, the written word also has a tone, and the tone of a business journal should be reliable, consistent and unemotional. Naturally, there are going to be situations (many, perhaps) that engender strong opinions. Do your best to state the facts without editorializing. For example, if a crew member calls in sick but is seen later that day at the local pistol range, write it down. It’s not necessary to comment that he didn’t look sick, Do your best to state the facts without editorializing. he’s always pulling that nonsense, etc. The actions, when related in a simple, truthful voice, will speak for themselves. You are basically writing for an audience of one – yourself. However, a time may arise in the unforeseen future where your journal will help explain actions that come under fire. This is exactly what happened in my dad’s case. Keep work at work. Don’t put off writing in your journal until after you’ve gone home, relaxed and had dinner. Make it a part of your everyday work routine. It’s like that elusive European vacation – the longer you put it off, the closer you come to never doing it at all. Before I put my dad’s journals down that night, I noticed they each had a small yellow sticker on the lower right corner. They were labeled “exhibit 220”, “exhibit 219,” etc. As it turns out, every journal he kept was used as evidence in the civil service public hearing regarding the dismissal of two linemen. The level of credibility in those diaries was undeniable. It didn’t come down to any one entry or incident; but rather, the detailed picture which had been laid out over an extended period of time. The borough won the case, largely due to the excellent recordkeeping and straightforward manner in those little volumes. At the time he was writing them, my father would never have imagined they would be used to that end. What had started as a memory device to aid in writing monthly reports ended up with a higher purpose exoneration. E-mailing seems to have usurped the time-honored tradition of journal writing in this day and age; but journals provide a bird’s eye view into each specific set of circumstances. You may find that a few minutes of writing at the end of the day will include nuances that are absent from most emails. A utilities business journal can lead to better organization, more efficient time management and tighter focus . . . and who knows? You may actually need it to come to your defense one day. In a business as multi-faceted as public power supply, it’s all about balance. ❚ Sue Kenney teaches English and women’s studies at William Patterson University in New Jersey. An essential course for board members, both new and experienced! Workshop Highlights I I I Introduction to the electric utility industry Trends in corporate governance Duties and responsibilities of utility policy officials Understanding the value of your utility Setting strategic direction and delivering quality service Monitoring performance and accountability Assuring an effective CEO Effective governance and best practices I I I I I For more information, visit www.APPAnet.org and click on “Education” or contact Kathryn Obal (202/467-2919, kobal@APPAnet.org). Invest in your work force today… Reap the benefits tomorrow 30 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2008 PUBLIC POWER http://www.APPAnet.org http://www.APPAnet.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Public Power - November 2008

Public Power - November 2008 Contents Perspective 10 Questions Capturing Knowledge Before It Retires Jackson’s GIS Search Keeping a Job Journal Japan Tackles the Kyoto Protocol Getting to 20 by 10 Damless Hydro Power Earthquake: The Hidden Disaster For Engineers Safety For Governing Boards DEED Hometown Connections Parting Shot

Public Power - November 2008

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