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It's always important that we are correctly understood...

10/05/2011 15:39:53 It is not always what you say or write, it's what is heard and is ultimately applied. The use of words and the way we say things or write things is very important in informing people. In the work context it has come to my attention that briefings, reports and specifications need to be accurate and convey the appropriate message.



One thing that really worries me is people using the internet and taking information out of context. This can particularly apply to technical information on product performance when using freely available information inappropriately.

We should always check the units being used in specifications and the test standards used to quantify the performance of products to check that this is relevant to our particular installation. We need to understand that the way products may be tested and reported upon may not be relevant to the situation in which we will be intending to use that product. In reality how will a boiler, chiller, fan or pump perform in our specific installation and local environment?

I am sure we all understand that good briefing before starting design work and timely reviews during progress on projects need to be carried out. With the growing importance of completion reviews and occupant feedback, we need clear mechanisms for applying experience learnt to new projects. How well do our completed buildings really perform in practice?

We all need to continue our professional development as we see new technologies introduced. One of the exciting things about our industry is that there is always more to learn as government policy changes building regulations and planning processes. How can we help our colleagues and promote a culture of lifetime learning with positive messages of support and accurate technical guidance? Can we be sure that what we say or write is helpful, uplifting, understandable and technically correct? Can we think during the coming months how we might improve our communication and be committed to team working for the good of the industry?

We need to celebrate success and be positive in praising people for jobs well done. In general, a positive place to work is far more enjoyable and uplifting and, during our current economic climate when things are difficult in the construction industry, how can we improve the situation and make work a more fulfilling experience?