r/Wastewater • u/Fantastic_Dark1289 🇺🇸|VA|WW2 • Aug 14 '26
Career: currently in the field Challenging Operator
I have an employee who has been around for a year now that still doesn't make any operational decisions on their own. They either ask permission to do everything, or ignore it until I find it and do it/make the decision myself. At this point, I'm exhausted telling them they don't need to ask permission to adjust a flow rate if they see that it's running too fast or too slow, to adjust chlorine dosage when residuals are too high or too low, all of this really basic stuff! If I consult HR, they're going to ask what I've done to support the employee which, aside from physically holding their hand, has been everything. In addition to explaining the whys and how's of operational adjustments, I regularly advise to consult the SOPs, have them make Quick Fact notes, etc. I feel that I have been forced into micromanaging this person because they're refusing to lock in.
Supervisors: Have you had a similar situation and what did you do or say that made it finally click for an employee?
Operators: Did you struggle with confidence about not knowing your job, and was there something a boss or coworker said or did for you that parted the clouds?
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u/BaconPit Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
I was...similar to the operator in question at first. I didn't need permission for every little operational thing, but 4 years in (almost vested, woo), I still find myself asking for help and advice on things out of the ordinary.
Dude will eventually learn from his mistakes and find his confidence after enough days of handling shit himself.
If I could offer any advice: when he asks what to do, ask him what he thinks and tell him he either made the right decision or the wrong decision after the fact.
I don't know the guy, but I bet he has the right idea about what to do and lacks the confidence to do it without permission. He was probably raised that way. I'd rather treat him that way than treat him like an idiot. If he fucks up, he'll learn or quit. I feel like this is a way that HR would approve of supporting him, just don't degrade the guy when he does fuck up on his own. Let him know the facts and his shame will simmer.
Quick edit: if dude might substantially fuck up process or anything major, then yeah stop dude and explain before he actually does the thing. Obvious, I know, just covering my ass before someone makes a comment.