Tim Roddick, a highly experienced facilities manager at Ocean State Veterinary Specialists shares his unique career journey, which seamlessly blends skills from carpentry, veterinary medicine, and advanced technical expertise in medical imaging. The conversation touches on Tim's hands-on experiences, such as performing an MRI on a fully grown lion and various construction and renovation projects. Tim discusses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, working to one's true nature, and how he manages complex maintenance tasks with limited support. Challenges in the veterinary and facilities management industries, along with advice for maintaining a balanced work-life, are also explored.
Takeaways:
- Always Approach Tasks with a Positive Attitude: Tim emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, not just for personal well-being but also for fostering a collaborative work environment. When faced with negativity, engage with the person to understand and address the root cause of their behavior.
- Work to Your True Nature: Tim highlights the significance of aligning your work with your natural tendencies and passions. Finding tasks and roles that resonate with your personal strengths and interests can lead to greater job satisfaction and effectiveness.
- Communicate Effectively: Effective communication is crucial. Tim discusses how clear and transparent communication, especially about resource allocation and task priorities, helps in managing expectations and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Prioritize Tasks Based on Need: Tim underscores the importance of distinguishing between urgent needs and wants. Addressing critical issues such as equipment failures before more aesthetic or less urgent requests ensures smooth operations and resource management.
- Maintain Good Relationships with Vendors and Staff: Building and maintaining strong relationships with reliable vendors and supportive staff members is key. Good rapport with external and internal stakeholders can expedite problem resolution and enhance operational efficiency.
- Be Proactive in Learning New Skills: Tim’s journey showcases the value of being proactive in acquiring new skills. Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies and methods can open up new opportunities and make you indispensable in your field.
- Manage Technical Problems Methodically and Step-by-Step: When facing technical issues, Tim advises a methodical approach. Breaking down the problem and tackling it step-by-step can prevent overwhelm and lead to a more efficient resolution.
Quote of the Show:
- “If you're just kind of true to your nature of how you like to work, where you get so involved in something and you forget to go to the bathroom or eat, that's really where you want to be.”
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