What I have learned in my workshop

"Once you have developed the skills needed to analyze problems and develop solutions, that talent transfers easily to other endeavors."
When a person becomes involved with complex organizations such as a Hospital District or Public Utility District, if they do not keep their eye on the prize, developing the process can become the focus rather that resolving the original issue.

Spending time in my workshop helps me relax, remain grounded, and seeing the finished product in a relatively short period of time fulfills me.  Out in the world of my garage/shop, there are basically four types of projects, each requiring a different approach:

•  Build from scratch:  This allows the most freedom for creativity, but also requires more detailed planning that will assure that, throughout all phases, tab A will, in fact, fit into slot B and gear C will mesh with gear D.  Any miscalculation or omission can result in major rework requiring extra time, effort and expense to correct.

This is great training for the planning process in that it helps focus attention to detail for all aspects and phases of preparing for future needs and providing for contingencies while it reminds me of the consequences of leaving something out.

• Modify an existing item for a new function:  This type of project is usually less demanding while still requiring some imagination.  For the most part, you have the parts you need but they have to be reconfigured.  Frequently, however, you will need to add additional parts so it will fill the new need.  This can require a trial and error approach, but thinking before doing can result in a better result.

This helps develop the mental "tools" needed to adapt current plans and processes so they can continue to function as circumstances and demands change.

>>Hang in there, there is a point to this, REALLY!!<<

• Repair and put back in to service:  These projects require a more rigid, process oriented approach with less imagination and creativity needed.  You know what the machine does (or did) and you want to return it to its original function.  You just have to find the problem and fix it.  There are certain sequential steps, like in diagnosing the problems with a lawn mower engine.  You check the compression, then the spark, then the fuel system, and so on.

This applies to the ongoing monitoring of existing programs and services.  If it seems to not be working well, you systemically analyze how it functions, identify the problems, and make the needed changes.

• The great mystery:  These are the ones that require all of your skills and knowledge and that usually prove that you do not, if fact, know everything (I already knew that about myself).  These projects usually begin with the simple words "PaPa, fix".  One of our grandkids is standing there, holding up some new-fangled hyperspace what-cha-ma-callit toy that will no longer save the Galaxy from alien invaders, or a hi-tech squirt gun that will no longer drench their siblings.  There it is, sitting on my bench, and there, next to me, is a small person with big eyes about ready to start tearing up.  I apply all the wisdom I have gathered over some 65 years and find it a bit lacking.  Off I go to our home office to search the internet for the product manual or any blogs dedicated to keeping this device operating and the little ones smiling.  These are the battles that, sometimes, you just cannot win.  So off to the store for a replacement.

In life, especially in business or public service, issues will arise that you just cannot get your head around.  This is when you may have to tap the resources of the "hired guns", the experts from out of town.  Sometimes it just involves contacting an association of like organizations or someone in the same business for their take on the issue.  Fresh eyes can sometimes see the answer you have been overlooking.  There will be, on the rare occasion, the instance when what you now have in place is just not fixable.  That is when you put on your thinking cap, along with others on your team, and go back to the build it from scratch approach (or "borrow" a new solution from someone else).

>>As promised, the point<<

I apologize for the length of this blog, but I wanted you to see the problem solving, getting to yes mindset, that I can bring to the table if you choose me for your new PUD Commissioner.
Thanks
Tony