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By Darrel W. Carouthers
AS A BOY, I ENJOYED MANY
trips to the small town of Kerrville, Texas. Each summer, our family
would get together for our yearly reunion in the beautiful Hill Country,
where we would stay in rustic cabins on the Guadalupe River. I have few
childhood memories so vivid as those family reunions.
To this day, the echoes of kids playing and splashing
in the cool water still play out in my mind. When I think back, I can
feel the warm sun on my face, and the wind brushing against my skin. The
smell of charcoal grills and the smoke from barbeque pits filled the
air. The good-time tunes from an old FM radio that seemed to accompany
us everywhere we went. It was picturesque, and it was perfect.
Of course our family had its routines. The adults would
sit together for Dominos and refreshments under a gazebo, and the kids
would rush to the river’s edge, freshly covered from head to toe in SPF
1000. And every year without fail, a challenge would go out to all of
the children that could swim, a race upstream to prove who would become
the “King of the River.” It was a fierce and grueling competition, with
an excess of arm-flailing, leg-grabbing, and the occasional lost swim
trunks. But for that one victorious child, it was worth every last drop
of water swallowed on the way to the finish. With arms raised in
triumph, he or she would enjoy the prestigious title for the remainder
of our time there, and the respect of all the other children.
Now, as an adult, and having been given the amazing
opportunity to step into the world of facility management, I see
striking similarities that mirror those competitive days of my youth.
The reality is, that we as venue managers are in essence, constantly
“swimming upstream.” With today’s increasing demands and regulations
placed on us, our staff, and our facilities, it doesn’t take long to
realize that in this industry it takes 100% effort on everyone’s part,
to be successful. We are asked to do “more with less,” and sometimes
“more with nothing,” from our governing bodies and stakeholders. We are
looked upon by our staff to be uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging,
even when our bottom lines are not doing the same. Our clients’
expectations and needs are on the rise, while our resources are often on
the decline. We stretch ourselves paper thin, and all the while we are
expected to keep on smiling. To our friends and family, it sounds like
lunacy, but hey, that’s what we signed up for, right? An exciting
career, full of opportunities to overcome obstacles, and to tap into the
fullness of our potential? I often wonder how many of us would have
still signed on if the job posting was worded something similar to the
following;
______________________________________
Facility Management
Position Available
Seeking a highly-skilled individual, who is extremely proficient in
squeezing blood out of turnips, laying golden eggs, and charming snakes.
Applicant must be able to memorize the names, faces, and at least one
interesting topic from discussion for everyone who lives in or around
the city, or who will at one time or another, visit this facility, and
must be able to recall said information at any given time. Applicant
must enjoy taking the blame for other people’s mistakes, and calming
down upset customers and mistreated employees on a daily and sometimes
hourly basis. Applicant must also enjoy being woken up at any and all
hours of the night, on a 365-day basis, in emergency situations
(everything is usually an emergency situation). Work week shall be
comprised of no less than 40 hours (even while on vacation), and no more
than 168 hours. Note: Working 168 hours in a given week does not
constitute an excuse to have wrinkled garments, and/or a poor attitude.
Educational requirements should consist of a completed degree program
that cost no less than $100,000 in excess of the annual salary for this
position, and the ability to repeatedly sign your name (illegibly), at a
minimum of 200 times per day, showing no signs of exhaustion or cramps.
Work experience in a similar field, or a psychiatric hospital is
preferred, but not necessary. Hobbies should include: work, persuading
others to work, and talking about work while playing golf. Applicants
with families, pets, and/ or homes that require upkeep shall still be
considered, but must sign a hold-harmless agreement upon accepting this
position.
______________________________________
(Obviously, this is an exaggerated illustration, but I
am certain that most of us can see some things that we can relate to.)
The fact of the matter is, that for venue managers, no
matter how bleak or uncertain the future looks, no matter the increased
caution we must exercise in today’s frivolous “law-suit happy” society,
or the growing list of hoops that we must jump through to make sure that
we are compliant, and accommodating to anyone and everyone, we keep on
swimming. My fellow managers who may be reading this, my hat goes off to
each and every one of you. You are extraordinary people, and you are
doing extraordinary things. Your perseverance and dedication is
unmatched, and your influence on others who are new to the industry, is
not taken lightly. I would offer only one word of advice to all of you.
Keep doing what you are doing, and keep doing it well. Continue to
persevere, constantly blazing new trails, and shining as an example for
tomorrow’s leaders. Sometimes we don’t get to hear it very often but I
will say it to all of you, “Thank you, and keep up the great work!”
fm
Darrel W. Carouthers is facility manager of the M.O. Campbell
Education Center with the Aldine Independent School District in Houston,
Texas. Contact him at dwcarouthers@aldine.k12.tx.us.
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