Title: Mission Critical Mindset for Success
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 13: Determining Mission Criticality and the Mission Critical Mindset

Mission Critical Mindset

What does it take to be a successful employee in a mission critical environment? There are many qualities that employers look for in mission critical employees. These qualities can be summed up as a “Mission Critical Mindset”.

Someone who possesses this mindset will have the following qualities:

- Accountable – An employee who is responsible and capable of explaining their actions to someone is invaluable. In mission critical operations, it is sometimes necessary to keep logs, complete reports, and sometimes even document things that do not go as planned in order to avoid it happening again. Whatever the task, a successful mission critical employee completes these records thoroughly, precisely, and in a timely manner.

- Rational – Someone who is logical, reasonable, and has the ability to reason is an asset to a mission critical organization. An employee capable of working with good judgment and possessing an ability to sort out information given them to determine what is pertinent and important is a valuable asset.

- Self-motivated – In a mission critical environment those in management do not always have the time to push the employees that work under them toward the goal or objective. It is preferable to hire mission critical operators who are motivated to move forward and meet objectives out of their own personal desire to succeed.

- Adaptable – A successful mission critical operator is one who is capable of adjusting to changing conditions. Being flexible and cooperative in any situation that arises can make everyone’s job easier and helps a mission critical organization keep operating.

- Communicator – An effective mission critical operator is also an effective communicator; effective communicators not only get their point across, but also are active listeners. Their use of both verbal and nonverbal communications helps those around them to avoid confusion and miscommunication while helping with productivity, morale, and team building. When seconds count effective communications are critical.

- Proactive – Thoughtful employees who are prepared for possible problems and stressful situations are necessary in the mission critical environment. A mission critical operator who has already begun thinking about potential scenarios is well prepared and calm while working to prevent outages, accidents, etc.

A poll was conducted at the 7 X 24 Exchange Carolinas Chapter Meeting on March 5, 2015. Over 60 subject matter experts responded. The qualities above represent the most popular responses.

Objectives met:
- C13
- 13.6