Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Dev., Vol. 17,No. 4 , 1978
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EDITORIAL
The Dutiful Technician-,What I t Takes?
This quotation is from a handout to 100 registrants in a course sponsored by a joint committee representing the scientific and management functions of the Paint and Coatings Industry in the Chicago area. Mr. Ted Muzyczko, the instructor of the two-semester program, is the author. “Technicians are basically support people working under supervision (at least during the training period) wherein their tasks and details of experiments are fully explained--along with appropriate precautions. These persons are valuable professionals. The classification is recognized by dedicated service of the individual, desire to learn and progress and by the quality of their output. A Technician should be identified by these abilities and characteristics: Average I&; observant--use all senses, observe and note what is expected plus the unusual. Listen carefully, be curious and genuinely interested in physical phenomena. Reasonable energy and healthful habits-a function of interest and attitude. Cheerful, optimistic, enthusiastic attitude with a sense of fair play. Integrity, sense of self-honesty and self-knowledge; the guts to call it as it appears; as apolitical as possible; sense of self-worth. Basic creativity; nonlinear thinking. Tact and mature respect for work of colleagues; accept and deal with constructive criticism. Keep meaningful, readable records; develop technical writing skill. Good memory for performed experiments; ability to communicate results; honesty in observing, reporting, and interpreting. Desire for independent work; willing to take increased responsibility, desire to do more than one project; be flexible. Know when and how to ask for help; concerned with training others; learn new skills and continue education. P u t in honest day’s work even if peers do not; low hostility quotient. Economic sense, common sense, more common sense; basic sense with knowledge and desire to work safely.” The list is longer and detailed with respect to specifics relevant to a particular industry classification. Note carefully and be kind to the technicians. One of them may be the next Vice President of R / D or President of the corporation. It can happen here. HOWARD L. GERHART
