Adrian White tells us why any group is only as strong as the weakest link and why the role of help, support and teamwork is vital in life and work.
I’m a training specialist and manager with Capita on the Electric Ireland contract. I help to onboard new hires, train them to carry out credit control calls and help them to use and understand our various systems and applications. I really enjoy being the first person to work with new people when they join Capita and watching them progress from training into their new role and beyond.
Supported and appreciated
We have a great team in Electric Ireland. There’s a culture of support and it’s very easy to reach out to any manager for help and advice on any issue. I’ve been very lucky with my direct manager Jolanta – there probably isn’t anyone more helpful, understanding, and supportive. I love the people I work with. My effort is recognised, and I feel appreciated.
Climbing the ladder
I started as an agent on what was known as the field team. I was working on a ledger and speaking to people on calls. After eight months, I applied for a team manager role and got it. I had the position for about nine months before Covid-19 hit and we started working from home. This transition to home working was probably the most challenging time of my life but, by working together, we adapted to the situation and got through it. My manager at the time, Sinead, was especially helpful and supportive.
From there I moved to the role of training specialist. We changed the remit of the role to include managing new hires through the onboarding process. This gives the new hires a seamless introduction to their new role. They have a familiar face to contact in the first few challenging weeks as they settle in.
I’ve trained as a First Aid responder and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessor. This is an area I’m very interested in, so I appreciated these opportunities. Jolanta has been taking me through some of the tasks she does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis as part of her succession planning, and it’s been great to get an insight into her role.
Work/life balance
Exercise is one of the most important things in my life, it has definitely been my saviour on many occasions. I go to the gym, cycle and play football. I believe you can’t have a healthy mind without a healthy body and vice versa. There’s a great effort made by some people at Capita when it comes to wellbeing initiatives, but more can be done. I’m a member of the engagement leaders group and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can come up with as a group. I’d also like to get involved in the wellbeing group in the near future.
Sharing the load
I have a calm demeanour and generally have the view that there’s always a solution to a problem. Forming a team, collaborating, and sharing the load is the best way forward. Open, honest communication and recognising people’s contribution is important. I always try to be myself. Life is short, and we shouldn’t make it complicated. If we all help each other then it makes it easier on everyone – any group is only as strong as the weakest link so help, support and teamwork is vital in life.
#BeBrilliantBeYou
