By Junaid Tahir I have been managing a large-scale network upgrade project recently. The scope is huge: our subcontractors must...
By Junaid Tahir
I have been managing a large-scale network upgrade project recently. The scope is huge: our subcontractors must replace existing machines at more than 8,000 locations across the UAE.
To begin, subcontractors deploy teams across different cities to conduct site surveys, capturing detailed hardware information at each location. These sites vary—private buildings, government offices, malls, and hospitals. The challenge? Each site owner has different access procedures: passport copies, company letters, national IDs, license numbers, supervisor details, online applications, special forms, and more. As a result, survey progress varies by city—some move quickly, others face delays.
During my daily reviews, I observed four distinct approaches from employees conducting these surveys:
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Employee 1 – Encounters an access issue, returns to the office, complains to his manager, and waits for support. Every site repeats the same cycle, causing delays.
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Employee 2 – Faces an access issue, returns to the office, prepares the required documents, and resolves it independently. Efficient, but only within his scope.
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Employee 3 – Resolves the issue, documents the access procedure with the building management for future use, but keeps the information to himself.
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Employee 4 – Resolves the issue, standardizes the protocol, builds a central database of access procedures (owner names, contacts, timings, requirements, etc.), and shares it with all colleagues to save time and effort for future visits.
All four employees technically complete the job. But Employee 4 stands out. He not only finishes his tasks without burdening his manager but also thinks proactively, building reusable solutions that benefit the entire team and company. His approach reduces wasted time, repeat visits, and costs. (Consider this: if each unnecessary revisit costs just $10 in fuel/allowances, multiply that by 5,000–8,000 sites—you can see the savings!)
Although this example comes from telecom/IT, the principle applies across every profession. Employees show different attitudes: some complain, some work silently, some think ahead—but a few elevate the whole system by solving problems at the root and sharing knowledge.
So, next time you wonder why your boss favors a colleague even though you both “do the same work,” remember: it’s not just about the work done—it’s about the attitude and impact you bring to the organization.
Think which category of employees do you belong to as per above example?
Think whether you posses short vision or futuristic vision?
Think whether you think locally or think globally?
Think whether your work on tasks (to make things done) or on procedures (to improve the overall cost and efficiency)?
Think whether you are an organized person and record your activities more professionally or just don’t care about mature documentation ?
Remember, it’s all about your approach and at attitude that makes you a better employee!!! You may want to read my article whether Hard work Will Guarantee My Professional Growth?
Junaid Tahir, a Telecom Engineer, a Program Manager and a Blogger, writes articles on professionalism, wisdom, happiness and stress management at his personal blog. Subscribe to His Google Group here. Contac him at mjunaidtahir@gmail.com for all kinds of constructive feedback.
