Plant Services - June 2008 - (Page 22)

ASSET MANAGER or small group meetings goes a long way to convince people of the project’s merits. It’s a top priority for senior management to provide supervisors with adequate support, training and tools, so they are able to manage the expectations of the staff throughout the project. Training: Training sessions and sup port materials can serve communica tion if they aren’t used as a replacement for managing participant’s expectations before they begin training. Press release or targeted mail-out: Depending on the size, scope and possible outcomes, you might com municate in writing with suppliers, customers, business partners and the public to ensure message consistency. FAQ or Q&A: Such a written com munication piece makes an excellent adjunct to any of the tools above, be cause it can address likely questions in a manner appropriate for each stake holder group. It’s also a great support tool for firstline supervisors in deal ing with questions from their staff. Suggestion box: Many companies provide a means for employees to ask questions, provide feedback or interact with the most appropriate manager, using a special voicemail box, email address or suggestion box. Anony mous communication is possible with these tools, although many companies prefer a more opendoor policy. Postings: Progress can be com municated throughout the project using posters, charts, graphs, calen dars and the like, posted throughout the facility. This generates excitement and helps manage expectations about achieving project objectives. Similarly, you can use electronic tools such as Communi ties of Practice (CoPs), a project status Web page on a company intranet, or an electronic bulletin/discussion board. (Editor’s note: The Plant Services CMMS/EAM Software Review, posted at www.PlantServices.com/cmms_ review, provides a side-by-side comparison of more than a dozen popular software packages.) E-mail Contributing Editor David Berger, P.Eng., partner, Western Management Consultants, at david@wmc.on.ca. 22 www.PLANTSERVICES.com June 2008 http://www.PlantServices.com/cmms_review http://www.PlantServices.com/cmms_review http://www.bakersinst.com http://www.bakersinst.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com

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Plant Services - June 2008 Contents From the Editor Letters The PS Files Up and Running Crisis Corner What Works Asset Manager Technology Toolbox Cover Story HVAC Coatings Motors Web Hunter In the Trenches Product Picks Classifieds Energy Expert

Plant Services - June 2008

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