What is the underlying role of Show Support in our industry if not to recruit and train new talent?
Experienced crew don’t grow on trees, which leaves only two options: enlist veterans or nurture saplings. While the former is easier, the latter provides an opportunity to groom a new generation of Showies minus the baggage that comes with loaders from other agencies. At times we have provided steady work for these types, only to find them unresponsive when truly needed.Β
Crew trained from scratch tend to be more available for Show Support. Have you ever had your request to be taken off a gig at the last minute declined because it was too busy to replace you? Have you ever wondered why there’s too few experienced crew on a particular gig? Have you ever wished you wouldn’t be texted so many job offers? Then perhaps you need to show more support for up and coming crew.
Fortunately the phenomenon is far rarer at SHS than other places where systemic white-anteing of newcomers and the undermining, back-stabbing and forming of cliques to shut them out is sadly apparent.
You may recall your first day on the job. Maybe someone’s kindness made all the difference to you? The experience of a Crew Member on their first shift is formative, it affects the way they treat personnel down the line. We must show tolerance and patience to those who seek to join our side. Even more importantly, any new recruits that show true potential need to be ear-marked for greatness. Let the office know and by all means let me know by filling in the Feedback Form.
Clients are accepting of newcomers with a fresh attitude, but we need to bring them in gradually throughout the year. For this we require your cooperation.
I know it seems tempting to rely solely on staff who already know the ropes to an extent. However, one does not take a well-worn gargoyle and hope to transform it into a Michelangelo with a few taps of the chisel; whereas a modest lump of clay, provided it’s pure and unadulterated, can be fashioned into a masterpiece verging on the divine.
Look not to a green crew member and see them as they are. Look to a green crew member and see them as they have the potential to be: a solid member of the SHS team! And who shall guide their metamorphosis from base metal into gold? You shall, my alchemist friends.Β
As a great amphibian once said, “It’s not easy being green.” The aim of regular SHS Crew Members, be they senior or junior, should be to facilitate the evolution of recruits into future Showies by making it easy to be green.
One of the best ways to nurture crew members with over a yearβs experience is to teach them to become Crew Chiefs. In our recent busy period we were short on experienced supervisors, so allow me to share some insight. When Show Support was conceived, I often delegated the role of Crew Chief to others. I would assist in running the crew, but the main aspects of the job β conducting tool box talks, signing on and off times, filling in JSAs, liaising with clients and allocating tasks β were left to the appointed Crew Chief.Β If they made a mistake the error was mine for not advising them clearly enough.Β It is truly inspiring to see these early traditions revisited in the State of Victoria and poised for imminent roll out across all SHS Sections.
Humility is one of the defining virtues of a Showie. A true leader allows others the opportunity to lead. Those who question the appointment of Crew Chiefs are disqualified from the position until they prove their willingness to advance other members of the team.Β We must all do our part to encourage the development of our fellow workers.
Show Support exists to serve the interests of our Clients. It is to the company’s benefit to rotate positions of leadership and train as many crew as possible in supervisory roles to adequately prepare for times when demand requires that our ranks must expand. The only way to gain experience as a Crew Chief is to actively work in the role. Crew Chiefs-in-training need to be continually mentored, assisted and made to feel welcome.Β
I trust all SHS Crew Members will rise to the call.
Warm Regards,
David Neil
SHS Operations Director