Teamwork – working together to reach consensus and achieve common goals
When you watch a sports team play, it’s easy to see teamwork on the field…or even the lack of teamwork. But what about a team…like Aqueduct Maintenance West…that’s not always on the same “field,” often working in remote locations, frequently alone. Is teamwork as obvious? Is it as important?
For one of those “lone workers,” equipment operator Orlando Avila, the answer is a resounding yes, and his actions speak louder than words.
“Orlando follows established maintenance processes to ensure CAP’s common goals are always achieved and that all the work is done consistently so we reliably meet our water delivery schedules,” said Supervisor Dallas Hillhouse. “He is a natural team player who isn’t out for individual recognition and no matter what the job is, if he has some expertise or experience or tools in his truck, he is always the first one to go out there and help.”
For Avila, it’s just who he is. In addition to working full-time at CAP for the past 10 years, he’s also a coach for youth sports and serves in the Arizona Army National Guard.
“My military experience really helped me develop a team-focused approach to work,” said Avila. “We transition people in and out all the time which means you’re never with same group of people for very long, so developing a strong team is critical.”
He believes the strength of the team comes from ensuring everyone is on the same page, working in unison, and striving to help each other…ultimately making the work environment the best it can be. So that’s what he does, often working one-on-one with new employees.
“Orlando is quiet, but he always steps up with new employees, making them feel welcome, sharing his skills with them and helping them learn our system,” said co-worker Brad Makrdichian.
The result is a highly functioning team – one that doesn’t often take the field together, but always works in tandem.
“We all have different skill levels and different backgrounds,” said Avila. “Anytime you’re trying to tackle a project or issue, it always helps to have people on your team who have gone through what you’re trying to accomplish.”
