Numpo-Nigit
9th Feb 2001, 21:41
Well, it has finally started! By now the third group of ATCOs and ATSAs has commenced OCT module A0. Some have already completed the course, while at least one has declined to stay the distance.
It's early days yet, but what has been learned so far?
Well, there were absolutely no trees to hug, no piles of planks and barrels with which to make bridges, and no embarrassing role-play. The hotel is comfortable and the food is OK.
There were generous numbers of fairly-senior management figures on view (even if their faces had to be identified to some course members) and an equally generous amount of alcohol on offer. They were there to listen, which they did, but whether they heard anything remains to be seen.
The consultants running the course have an extrememly clear and accurate picture of the mood and morale amongst LATCC staff (they obviously haven't been listening to NATS management!!!), and so have a realistic vision of the mountain to be climbed.
The mixture of watches, grades and ages on each course enables people to realise that, although they may have differing priorities with their concerns, everybody has very real problems, worries and even fears, over the conduct of OCT and the final move to NERC. There is, perhaps, some comfort in the knowledge that "we are not alone".
It is also blindingly obvious that, in the minds of the staff at least, the twin issues of PPP and OCT are irredeemably linked. In particular, the ATSAs see the spectre of SERCO as a clear threat to their very survival, such that OCT is of secondary importance - not a promising portent of success. Whilst senior NATS managers may, belatedly, have come to experience the same fears, they will undoubtedly fare a good deal better than the ATSAs in any "night of the long knives".
The course is envisaged as helping staff in "Coping with Change". With the cross-section of views expressed towards NERC ranging from eager anticipation to outright hostility, the result will be difficult to quantify. Having taken part, I can detect no change in my own attitude - perhaps others will benefit more.
Intriguingly for management, the whole exercise has the potential to backfire. Allowing such a wide mixture of people to debate matters in this way could result in a much more focussed, united and vocal opposition forming, especially if the coming months do not run smoothly to plan.
Finally, I arrived home from the two days exhausted (no, it wasn't the drink!!!). The combined effects of driving an unfamiliar hire-car, new surroundings, different people, trying to sleep in an air-conditioned hotel room AND the actual course content was extremely tiring. Forget restictions to our leave and attempts to "buy back" days-in-lieu; I believe I will require additional time off to cope with the stress!!! How about it NATS?
Perhaps others would care to comment on their view of the course. Try and keep it reasonably polite (a little sniping is permissible), if only because the consulants running the course monitor this site as one means of gauging ATCO morale, and NERC isn't THEIR fault!!!
It's early days yet, but what has been learned so far?
Well, there were absolutely no trees to hug, no piles of planks and barrels with which to make bridges, and no embarrassing role-play. The hotel is comfortable and the food is OK.
There were generous numbers of fairly-senior management figures on view (even if their faces had to be identified to some course members) and an equally generous amount of alcohol on offer. They were there to listen, which they did, but whether they heard anything remains to be seen.
The consultants running the course have an extrememly clear and accurate picture of the mood and morale amongst LATCC staff (they obviously haven't been listening to NATS management!!!), and so have a realistic vision of the mountain to be climbed.
The mixture of watches, grades and ages on each course enables people to realise that, although they may have differing priorities with their concerns, everybody has very real problems, worries and even fears, over the conduct of OCT and the final move to NERC. There is, perhaps, some comfort in the knowledge that "we are not alone".
It is also blindingly obvious that, in the minds of the staff at least, the twin issues of PPP and OCT are irredeemably linked. In particular, the ATSAs see the spectre of SERCO as a clear threat to their very survival, such that OCT is of secondary importance - not a promising portent of success. Whilst senior NATS managers may, belatedly, have come to experience the same fears, they will undoubtedly fare a good deal better than the ATSAs in any "night of the long knives".
The course is envisaged as helping staff in "Coping with Change". With the cross-section of views expressed towards NERC ranging from eager anticipation to outright hostility, the result will be difficult to quantify. Having taken part, I can detect no change in my own attitude - perhaps others will benefit more.
Intriguingly for management, the whole exercise has the potential to backfire. Allowing such a wide mixture of people to debate matters in this way could result in a much more focussed, united and vocal opposition forming, especially if the coming months do not run smoothly to plan.
Finally, I arrived home from the two days exhausted (no, it wasn't the drink!!!). The combined effects of driving an unfamiliar hire-car, new surroundings, different people, trying to sleep in an air-conditioned hotel room AND the actual course content was extremely tiring. Forget restictions to our leave and attempts to "buy back" days-in-lieu; I believe I will require additional time off to cope with the stress!!! How about it NATS?
Perhaps others would care to comment on their view of the course. Try and keep it reasonably polite (a little sniping is permissible), if only because the consulants running the course monitor this site as one means of gauging ATCO morale, and NERC isn't THEIR fault!!!