A problem that I have identified in my field is a lack of training as a result of organizational habits. This training problem first became evident during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the pandemic the training program was devastated because of the shutdown. The Department of Transportation (DOT) didn’t concede operations during that time out of necessity, therefore essential personnel remained required to report to work. The problem quickly arose that, there was no backup plan to get new hires to train so that they could be useful at work. The solution that was settled on was to do nothing. The newly hired employees couldn’t contribute so they were told to stay home, they collected full pay without reporting to work for approximately two years. This seems like an ideal situation for the trainees but in turn the fully trained employees had to pick up the slack in the middle of a pandemic, while being understaffed. Naturally these employees were overworked which caused them to be lazy due to fatigue. When the pandemic was deemed over and everyone returned to work these same employees were told they had to unofficially train the new personnel. This made them disgruntled, and they refused. The impact of this problem is that this also affected manning heavily. The trainees who were home for two years missed out on the morale that comradery brings when working together and hated coming back to work. Many of them left the positions that they sat in for better opportunities elsewhere or even got promoted without ever having to train in the job they held based on previously installed mandates backed by the union. This is the making of a unit that is overpaid and underqualified. Lack of preparation and the unwillingness to adapt has caused this issue. There were other entities that opted for innovation and technology such as zoom to ensure that their mission pressed on. This problem will prove important to solve because the lack of morale will eventually cause a downfall in production. When employees do not feel motivated or even obligated to do the necessary work to get the job done, considering they feel overlooked or undervalued. This will end in administrators losing control of the workforce and unable to get the most out of workers. Often, in my field we find the need for overtime. Overtime is not mandatory, but it is highly useful to boost production. An unmotivated workforce will only work within the confines of what their contract or job description says, without deviation.

         

          In my particular career field I can apply a few insights that I have picked up throughout the years. "Motivation is unreliable. It comes just as fast as it goes." As stated, the workforce got lazy. The Department of Transportation is a machine running 24/7, there's always some kind of transportation action taking place. This requires anyone in the aviation field, whether Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, or Maintenance to be discipline and practice consistent habits. If the motivation begins to lack then the routine of inspections and repairs should keep you going at minimum.  

         

         "If something isn't working in your life change the game." In the Aviation field we must constantly reassess and adjust to any changes. This is not negotiable, this is the only way to achieve success at this level. Advancing in training and considering different roles allows the unit to be cohesive and able to maintain the safest scenario possible, reducing risk. It is highly important to be flexible and proactive when it comes to problem solving.               

          "You aren't your circumstances, you are only what you believe you are." This thought process is critical in my field because external pressure, setbacks, and high expectations are common. The workload may seem overwhelming but it is important to keep going and understand that we can elevate beyond current circumstances. I plan to maintain and strong perception of myself, belief in my capabilities, and the determination to get to the top of the mountain. No obstacles placed in my way will limit me. I will succeed.