During our last project in Southern Ontario our team visited the job site to lead a kick-off meeting. We were hired by our client who was responsible for a complex construction site, and there were numerous stakeholders. The meeting helped provide clarity on roles and responsibilities and gave sightlines on what stakeholders should expect over the coming days. After the meeting, the groups dispersed to carry on with their regular duties and I found myself in a casual conversation with one of the Project Managers assigned to the project – we will call the Project Manager John. John invited me into his office, and I asked how he became involved in the project. I immediately sensed a change in John after asking the question but soon came to realize why that change occurred upon hearing his story.
John was employed by our client on an assignment away from home for several years before becoming aware that this construction project had been approved. He had been waiting for some time to hear that news because the project was to be built in his hometown and would serve as a pillar of the local community. John was drawn towards the project immediately; he knew that he had to be involved and was able to transfer to the new project as soon as his position was needed. Because of this he was able to move back home and be involved in a project that would service his community for a very long time.
The story reminded me of my time being away from home, living on the road, and so I understood the relief that comes with being able to plant roots in a place where you have family – it was quite relatable! Where John’s story was especially memorable for me was when he walked over to the corner of his office where a map was hung. The map was relatively new however John explained that it showed a foundational infrastructure project that had been constructed in his hometown nearly 100 years ago. He continued to explain that one of his family members had been the engineer on that project which continues to serve the community in current day. He had a sense of pride in describing his ability to carry on the legacy of his family by being a part of this new project in his hometown. His deepest interest in the project wasn’t about his financial benefit, it was about carrying the torch and doing something that would benefit people in his community.
One of my greatest takeaways from that project, alongside the technical learnings, is a reminder that work can be so meaningful outside of what our employers contribute into the work. This can be legacy, community engagement, a personal connection – ultimately something that makes a difference. John showed this to me, his story has left a lasting mark on my perspective towards work, emphasizing the profound impact that personal connections and a sense of purpose can have on our professional endeavors. It’s a testament to the notion that true fulfillment often lies not just in what we achieve, but in the significance of the contributions we make to the world around us.
Thank you for reading,
Adam
Adam Derry
Director of Engineering
360 Engineering & Environmental Consulting Ltd.
aderry@360eec.com
403.863.6418
