Michael Crook

Background

About Michael Crook

I've been in the telecommunications management arena for over 20 years and the industry is constantly in a state of flux. It's vitally important to be flexible, adaptable, open to new ideas, and stay on the cutting edge of technology. It's also imperative you understand the staff's perspective. When they experience process breakdowns or delays it's crucial you understand the cause. I like to spend time with each member of any new team, so I thoroughly understand their job responsibilities and how processes are tied together with adjacent teams. This gives me a clearer picture of "the machine" so I can look for any efficiency gains. I also feel it's important to empower employees to make decisions on their own, as it helps them grow as individuals and into potential leaders. Mistakes will happen and those situations lead to learning opportunities. I take the time to walk through problems to ensure there is a mutual understanding of the cause, effect, and solution. Additionally, I like employees to find solutions on their own when possible. When I'm asked how to solve a technical-related problem, I try not to give direct answers. I want them to feel self-reliant and confident that they figured it out on their own. I also think it's important to have fun and keep things light! You can definitely have fun at work and be productive! Having a positive attitude can go a long, long way.