Francesca

i. What is it about?
I support my team by managing four distinct projects. First of all, I evaluated different options for a new ticketing tool which my colleagues from Customer Care depend on. After half a year we are now close to the roll-out of the new system. Secondly, I looked into possibilities to optimize the spare parts logistics for the traction service business and presented options to a decision committee. Thirdly, we are currently close to the roll-out stage of a large-scale train refurbishment project. As member of the service team I supported with the setup of service processes such as the spare parts handling. On the go I got a forth task which covers the implementation of a protection feature within our software that has to be implemented for the new series to be delivered shortly.

ii. Why did you select this assignment?
For the first assignment it is very helpful to check the opportunities and open positions that are collected by the trainee lead. As you do not have a network within ABB yet, it is a bit difficult to find an assignment on your own. I chose an open assignment in Turgi because I am fascinated by the product which is at the heart of the traction converter business. Furthermore, I think that project management offers a good start into the trainee program as you have many interactions with other people and you learn a lot about the business.

iii. Typical day?
As a project manager I have many meetings with my team colleagues and members of other groups. I need to carefully prepare for the meeting such that everybody knows what it will be about and we can really make progress. Afterwards I write meeting minutes and send them to all participants such that everyone is aware of what needs to be done until next time.

iv. Most interesting / fun part?
I really appreciate the cooperation that I feel in Turgi. Even though people did not know me in the beginning it was very easy to become part of the team and the whole department. After a couple of months you get a feeling for the drivers in a specific project, you know what is important to present to the SteCo and how to reach decisions. This is a lot of fun.

v. Most challenging part?
Sometimes it is difficult to keep track of all the topics that are in work at the moment. With four projects to look after it is easy to forget something. Of course it helps a lot if you have a good trust basis with your colleagues but sometimes you need to remind others about time-consuming and difficult tasks. Thereby, you need to find a good tone and motivate others to reach the goal together.

vi. What surprised you?
I was surprised about the attention I got as a single person within the big ABB structure. Furthermore, I appreciated the flat hierarchy which we have in Turgi.

vii. Biggest takeaway?
I think it is absolutely crucial to take the chance to talk to your colleagues and really listen to what they say. From a project manager’s point of view your life gets a lot easier if you understand the opinions of all meeting participants. And when they feel that you understand their position, trust comes automatically.