The Project Lucky Dip
The Project Lucky Dip.
JOIN THE THINKERS
Think Outside the Box & OUTSOURCE
The Project Lucky Dip
Involvement
in any major international project, with other professionals and specialist
contractors, drawn from several nationalities, many of whom you may not be
familiar with, can initially at least be a little daunting.
Different
approaches, styles and procedural methodologies tend make it somewhat like the
proverbial lucky dip into the chocolate box to decide what you get and who you
have to coordinate and work closely with.
In
retrospect, it is now apparent to me that all of the most successful and
enjoyable projects I have ever been involved in, all had a high proportion of
characters who bypass the vagaries of new work relationships and ignited a positive spirit of teamwork and cement
camaraderie.
The
iconic seven stars Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai, in which I had a start to
finish involvement, certainly had a plethora of characters, many of whom had I
had never met previously but contributed to make even some of the toughest days
interesting and even enjoyable.
The
project’s client’s rep, Mr. Paul, an imposing Zimbabwean expat who stood near
two metres tall, was charged by the highest level of government, with driving
the project forward to an exacting schedule, He was onsite at 5pm every morning
to walk through the project an hour before anyone else arrived and absorb the
real-time status.
He
was an intimidating force to some, especially those that were not putting a
serious effort to mitigate shortfalls or not meeting the professional standards
the job demanded He made it very clear that a “Three strikes and you are out”
policy was applied and regardless of standing and status in the scheme of
things, he would separate the chaff from the wheat.
In
the closing months of the project, Mr. Paul instigated a pattern of daily onsite
meetings to which all senior project and contractor managers as well as
specialist suppliers were “invited” This took the form of a 6am meeting to
coordinate expectations and a 6pm follow-up meeting to review actions and progress.
Those who consistently underperformed or were foolish enough to try to pull the
wool over his eyes were likely to be introduced to Mr. Paul’s, by then infamous
catchphrase, “You are toast, goodbye.”
He
was however more than generous to those he knew to be fully committed and
honestly applying themselves and he gained great respect with his openness and
the knowledge that his word was his bond, in dealing with both commercial and
technical matters. He is undoubtedly, high on the list of individuals I would
relish working with again.
Professionally,
the project was without equal in attracting the best talent, but as it progressed
it also seemed like a focal point for some unlikely and entertaining
international characters. This was epitomised none more so than by a young
South African welder who later became world renowned as a leading Elvis Presley
tribute singer.
His
talent emerged at a team bonding session after a heavy day onsite and he was
persuaded to take up the microphone and oblige with a rendition of Blue Suede
Shoes. Although attired in his welder’s uniform and heavy site boots, he
garnered the attention of everyone in the place as soon as he started his
interpretation, in the style of Elvis. He was so realistic in his Elvis persona
that he was immediately bombarded with requests from all and sundry.
When
word got around of his talent, he was booked to perform at weekends at venues
all over the Emirates and later moved onto the international club circuit,
culminating in him eventually going to Las Vegas to perform and pick-up the
prestigious Elvis Impersonation Award.
Within
my own team, my Senior Project Manager, Mr. B had somewhat of a history of
professional entertaining and used his inherent Merseyside wit to keep us
chuckling, especially when the pressure of work was weighing heavily. His tales
and gags inevitably started with the insistence that it was a true story,
regardless of how outrageous it was and although I had worked with him for
several years and heard many of the tales before, I never ceased to laugh
because the delivery was so good.
Professional
ability was a known requisite for everyone who identified with the project, but
the importance of having a good healthy spirit was also recognised by the
Client’s Team. This extended to an request that Mr. B started the 6am daily
meeting with one of his implausible stories to lighten the mood for the 25 or
so managers who had dragged themselves there early in the morning, knowing they
had a 112- or 14-hourday of pressure ahead of them.
A
typically “true story” would be something like;-
“I’m
lucky to be here this morning. I couldn’t find a taxi after having few beers
with my pals last night and I had to walk all the way home. I was stopped by the local police who wanted
to know what I was doing, wandering about in the early hours of the morning- I politely
told them that I was going to attend a lecture on the dangers of drinking,
smoking and spending time with loose women.- I’m not sure that they believed
me, because they insisted on knowing who was going to give a lecture at 4
o’clock in the morning, so I had to come clean and admit it was my wife.”
Such
characters abound, including a stringy, droopy mustache Texan, employed by the
main contractor as a progress chaser. He had a fitness regime that entailed a
daily run up the full 56 levels of the structure and walking down while
inspecting progress at each level.
Naturally
as he expressed himself as the stereotype Texan, he came in for some
lighthearted banter. This was accelerated when fine finishing was in progress
and site helmets were not a mandatory requirement and he chose to walk about in
a Stetson and cowboy boots.
On
a social occasion, when Texas Ted (as Mr. B referred to him) resplendent in his
full Saturday night dress, including high heal boots and oversized silver belt
buckle, was waxing lyrical about Texas and how big everything was there. He
said his house was huge and it took up to 15 minutes to get from his front door
to his gate. – Mr. B responded by saying he also once had a rubbish car that caused
him a similar problem.
Humour
was supplemented further by some of the nicknames bandied about and were
accepted as a sort of rite of passage and raise a smile or two even now. We had a contractor’s manager addressed as
Budgie- because he “flapped” in a panic, a supervisor, called The Balloon
because he always told his crew that “Whatever happens, don’t let me down.” A
particular HVAC engineer earned the title of The Lawyer, as he often directed
his men while “sitting on a case”
The
good humour was widespread and added to the good vibes generated by pride in
workmanship and the camaraderie positive characters brought to the table.
Personal and business relationships were forged and maintained for many years
after the project was handed over.
Mr.
B went on to be the Best Man at my wedding and we now have a 25-year friendship
and professional relationship and he still provides me with his “true stories.”
The importance of good humour is never recognised formally or
incorporated in any contract documents, but it does undoubtedly enhance the
workplace and long may it do so.
Author
COLIN ANTHONY ADDLEY MCIOB, MAIB, MSAIB
Colin is a highly experienced Professional Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager with over three decades in the International construction and Marine Industry.
He is a specialist in the fit out sector having executed many prestigious, Luxury high quality and Technically Complex Projects.
He is also a creative writer having penned many industry related articles.
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