Yes, I assume their exists the potential of a couple of backup contracts in the future, but filling those contracts may prove to be quite a challenge for the current management team! Obviously, I see the necessity of supporting this company and inspiring its successful existence, but then again, I find it difficult to support a management team with an apparent business plan for disaster!
I’ve seen this scenario play out before, different company name, but the same LACK of CUSTOMER SERVICE game! Obviously the management team has failed to recognize Technicians as Customers. If your trying to sell an individual something, (such as an assignment), believe it or not, they are a customer! It seems apparent that some company representatives have placed themselves on a plateau, far above their bread and butter. That worked great in the 80’s when techs were a dime a dozen and outages lasted 6 months, but maintaining that egotistical philosophy today, is a proven road to disaster! I'm sure some contract company managers will find it impossible to believe, but if a Technician isn't working for you, THEY are providing their services via the other guy! In some cases, at the same facility where you hold the prime contract.
How about the paying customers, (Utilities)? There also seems to be a little confusion on the aspects of customer service with contractual agreements. Excuse me for being so antiquated, but there isn’t a contract company in the world, going to tell me how to do business in my own house! If you want to force feed a contract stipulation down a customer’s throat, contrary to the customer’s request, be prepared for an appropriate response! I had the misfortune of experiencing that venue at one site a few years ago, two months later that company no longer provided their services, actually that company ceased to exist!
Strangely enough, I have never understood the self appointed amnesty clause of some dysfunctional managers? I'm sure many of the Techs know the situation. The ditz calls you up, gives you a big buddy greeting and asks for your assistance to resolve some of their staffing needs! After you remind them of their previous distasteful business decisions and the issues pertaining to their integrity and honesty, they always offer the same reply, “Oh, That’s water under the Bridge"! Well, Right you are! It's an ocean, ten miles deep! I know many techs who maintain the same communications venue as me; I'll talk to any other company representative, except her/him! As immature as it may seem, don't call me, I'll call you and that's Forever + a day!
Hopefully things will improve in the immediate future and performance issue will be rectified. Of course I'm always on guard for the precursors of disaster. Most Technicians know what I'm talking about, lose of contracts, bait and switch assignments, last minute notification of dissolved assignments, shell game tactics of staffing other projects and assigning blame to technicians for leaving assignments early (against the customers request) and payroll problems that take more than a day before you have cash in hand!
Foresight or Hindsight, Your Choice, RG......................
Poll
