With all that we’re facing in the waste management and recycling industries today, new ideas and solutions to our current banquet of challenges are more welcome now than perhaps any previous period of time. It’s time to shake things up a bit—conducting our operations as we always have will no longer produce the results we need going forward. The best way for that to happen—for new and different thinking to emerge, gain acceptance, and be put into action—is for those that are on their way up in the industry to speak out and make sure their suggestions and vision are listened to and implemented. That’s not an easy thing to do. Many of us tend to remain relatively quiet in the early part of our careers. Sometimes, we hold back because we’re intimidated by those around us with more experience or seniority. Other times, we don’t want to appear to be disrespectful. And then there are those of us who are simply afraid to be wrong and don’t want to embarrass ourselves.
Contrary to popular opinion, I was once young, new at my craft, and learning how to get better. In the earliest days of my career I made sure my mistakes didn’t draw a lot of attention and did my best to avoid embarrassing myself. I worked hard to keep my head down and keep quiet. Even when I had new creative ways of solving a problem, I was overly cautious and didn’t take any chances. But playing it safe can sometimes be a big mistake in itself. In my case, I now recognize I missed out on some great opportunities to contribute, learn, and advance. Looking back, I would say that I impeded my own growth. Ouch.
As a member of the “older” generation, I offer this advice to those of you in the early stages of your career and even students preparing to enter the waste industry: Speak up. Do your homework, know your facts, conduct clear analysis, and voice your ideas. Mistakes will be made, but you will learn from them.
University of California, Los Angeles professor and member of MSW Management’s Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Eugene Tseng has told me that he tries to understand the thinking process of his students and young professionals. His goal is to teach them critical thinking skills by engaging in an in-depth understanding of the reasons “how and why” things are done not only in the classroom, but also in real life.
Dr. Tseng says, “One of the most important tools that I use in teaching is to ‘learn from failure.’ Screw up in class and learn so you do not make the mistake in real life. The ‘ability to learn’ and ‘be trainable’ is really important for all of us. These are the factors that I typically look for when sitting in on employment interviews. I encourage discussion in class and in real life. In class, I would ask what the student’s opinion is on an issue, and then assign them to the group with an ‘opposite’ position so that they can try to understand the other side. It is really a valuable learning experience for them.”
This push to elicit input should not fall solely on the shoulders of the next generation. Industry veterans also have the important responsibility to engage and support those that will be leading things once we’re gone. We need to initiate discussions. Push each other to go out of our way and seek out their observations, opinions, and ideas. I think it’s critical that while we’re engaged, we show patience and respect for the less experienced.
This is an extremely complex industry and our most valuable assets walk out the front door every evening. We need to embrace them and their wealth of fresh perspectives in order to overcome current and future challenges.
This is how SWANA’s Young Professionals group describes itself on its web page: “We are a group of individuals who represent the future of the solid waste industry. We are passionate about the environment, our industry, and helping each other succeed. We are eager to offer advice, brainstorm ideas, develop solutions, and share in the struggles and triumphs of working in this business. We are energetic. We are motivated. We are committed.”
How many in your own organization are members of SWANA’s YP? If you’re 35 years old or younger, you should be. The YPs are “talking the talk.” Many are “walking the walk.” Let’s get busy using the best of all the generations of waste industry professionals.
