Page 3 - February 2021 Track N Times

FEATURE STORY

Mindset, Tool Set, Skillset

By Marc Hackett, Director Ballast and Road Bet Maintenance

As we head into 2021 much is being said

in the news about this being a better year.
We won’t know for sure until the year is
over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do
everything within our control to work to
make it a better year. 2020 made head-
lines for the pandemic that still is taking a
horrible toll on humanity. Many people
are deeply involved in trying to find solu-
tions to stop the spread of the virus and
end the staggering death toll worldwide.
As we do our part to keep the transpor-
tation network viable, think about the
role you play as a critical infrastructure
team member. If the tracks can’t handle
the movement of trains critical goods will never reach their destination. You are important!
The paragraph above was written to illustrate the power of “mindset” and the role it plays in our lives every day.
Knowing you are important is a powerful influencer and works to inspire us to do the tough jobs. What you do
each day matters. Getting dirty and working long hours is important as the world relies on companies like Loram
and employees like you to maintain the infrastructure needed to support our lifestyles. Knowing this should give
you an internal sense of satisfaction; you are not wasting time and collecting a paycheck, you are contributing in a
meaningful way to societies growth and well-being. Mindset should also be a part of your thought process as you
approach the hazards you encounter each day. That’s right, mindset plays a role in safety!

Working at Loram requires that you exist in an environment that includes several known hazards as well as some
unforeseen hazards. In other words, your job carries some level of risk that must be controlled. Did you know
that one of the biggest risks you face each day comes from within? Have you ever heard someone say, “get your
head in the game?” This expression really is true, your head needs to be in the game. Your mind controls alert-
ness, complacency, it helps you choose the right tool for the job, your mind remembers your limits, and your
mind remembers rules and procedures. If you are daydreaming or thinking of non-work activities mistakes will be
made. Your mindset each day needs to be such that you stay disciplined and focused on your job.
Once you have established the proper mindset, make sure you have the skills necessary to do your job safely and
efficiently. Loram and its Training Department have an excellent selection of both required and optional courses
to help you grow and maintain your skillset. The Training Team works hard to develop new courses that meet
the needs of an ever-changing workplace. Embrace the training courses you have been assigned as a chance to
grow personally. Yes, they take time to complete, but it is time well spent. You have a second opportunity to
expand your skillset at Loram and that is by learning from others. On-the-job-training or OJT as it’s called is a
wonderful way to learn, typically hands on or side by side instruction from someone who has gained expertise in

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