In the latest episode of “Mission Ready: Bridging The Final Mile,” host Chris Decker delves into the intricate dynamics of collaboration between Filipino engineers and the US military, with a particular focus on operations at Subic Bay and other strategic locations in the Philippines. The episode features Rogelio Payumo alias ‘Ogie’ a seasoned Filipino engineer who shares invaluable insights from their decade-long experience working with the US Navy Public Works Center. This blog post will break down the key themes and actionable advice from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers interested in the nuances of international engineering collaboration.
1. The Foundation of Trust and Collaboration
Historical Context and Trust Building
The episode begins with a reflection on the historical relationship between the US military and the Philippines. This long-standing partnership has fostered a significant level of trust, particularly among senior Filipino engineers. The engineer emphasizes that this trust is not just a byproduct of time but a result of consistent and reliable performance by Filipino engineers in various complex tasks delegated by the US military.
- Consistency in Performance: Trust is built through consistent, high-quality work. Filipino engineers have demonstrated their reliability over decades, which has solidified their reputation.
- Delegation of Complex Tasks: The US military’s willingness to delegate complex engineering tasks to Filipino engineers is a testament to the trust and confidence they have in their capabilities.
- For Engineers: Focus on delivering consistent, high-quality work to build trust with your collaborators.
- For Organizations: Delegate challenging tasks to trusted team members to foster growth and demonstrate confidence in their abilities.
2. Personal Journey and Professional Development
A Decade of Growth
Ogie shares his personal journey, detailing their experience from 1982 to 1992 with the US Navy Public Works Center. This period was crucial for his professional development, exposing him to various engineering challenges and opportunities. Working closely with US military and civilian supervisors provided a unique perspective on the integration of engineering practices between the two groups.
Key Takeaways:
- Exposure to Challenges: Working in a challenging environment accelerates professional growth and skill development.
- Integration of Practices: Collaboration with diverse teams leads to the integration of best practices and innovative solutions.
Actionable Advice:
- For Engineers: Seek opportunities that challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone to accelerate your professional growth.
- For Organizations: Create environments that expose team members to diverse challenges and encourage the integration of different engineering practices.
3. Teamwork in Action
Collaborative Environment
Chris Decker inquires about the nature of collaboration between Filipino and US engineers during projects. Ogie explains that they typically operated under the supervision of US personnel, both military and civilian. This structure facilitated a collaborative environment where both parties contributed to the projects. Peer reviews were conducted to ensure that the final output met the required standards.
- Supervised Collaboration: A structured environment with clear supervision fosters effective collaboration.
- Peer Reviews: Conducting peer reviews ensures that the work meets high standards and encourages continuous improvement.
- For Engineers: Embrace collaborative environments and actively participate in peer reviews to enhance the quality of your work.
- For Organizations: Implement structured supervision and peer review processes to maintain high standards and encourage teamwork.
4. Expanding the Scope of Work
Versatility and Adaptability
The discussion also touches on the broader impact of this collaboration beyond Subic Bay. The engineer mentions that their work extended to various locations across the Philippines, including San Miguel, San Antonio, Zambales, Baguio, Camp John Hay, and Clark. These projects often involved providing support for the US Air Force, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Filipino engineers in different operational contexts.
Key Takeaways:
- Geographical Flexibility: The ability to work in various locations demonstrates versatility and adaptability.
- Support Across Branches: Providing support to different branches of the military highlights the broad skill set of the engineers.
Actionable Advice:
- For Engineers: Develop a versatile skill set that allows you to adapt to different operational contexts and geographical locations.
- For Organizations: Encourage and support the development of versatile skills among team members to enhance their adaptability.
Conclusion
This episode of “Mission Ready: Bridging The Final Mile” offers a deep dive into the collaborative efforts between Filipino engineers and the US military. Through personal stories and experiences, the episode highlights the importance of trust, teamwork, and shared goals in achieving mission readiness. The historical context of the US-Philippines relationship further enriches the discussion, showcasing the significant role that Filipino engineers have played in supporting military operations and enhancing engineering practices in the region.
Final Thoughts:
- Building Trust: Consistent performance and the delegation of complex tasks are key to building trust in collaborative environments.
- Professional Growth: Exposure to challenges and the integration of diverse practices accelerate professional development.
- Effective Teamwork: Structured supervision and peer reviews foster effective collaboration and high standards.
- Versatility: Developing a versatile skill set enhances adaptability and broadens the scope of work.
By understanding and implementing these insights, engineers and organizations can enhance their collaborative efforts and achieve greater success in their projects.