What Can We Learn From Hollywood?
In Hollywood’s golden age, the big studios used to make a certain number of ‘pictures’ each year, keeping directors, crew, and actors on…
ViewFrom stacknation to stackflation
Ballooning day rates for rigs, especially latest-generation drillships, are a potential boon for drilling contractors’ bottom lines. But not without risks.
ViewProfessional practice over heroic efforts
To achieve your desired project outcomes, and create a sustainable culture, avoid ‘heroic endeavour’. We’ve all put in extra effort to hit a due…
ViewBe a pragmatic pessimist
Winston Churchill said, ‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.’ That nicely sums up the tension…
ViewThe curious case of the familiar file
In attempting to manage uncertainty, many companies go to great expense to develop protocols and procedures. Then they set them in stone hoping that compliance…
ViewKeeping the train on the track
On a recent dreary Sunday afternoon, the Frank Sinatra movie Von Ryan’s Express was on TV. At one point, a train driver coupled some train carriages together.
ViewIs the danger real?
A few weeks ago, a warning light flashed on my dashboard. My brake pads needed attention. Apparently, I could proceed but should ‘drive with caution’.
ViewFurther lessons in knowable risks…
It’s not always the big things that can hang you out to dry. ‘Our proposal is valid for 30 days’ (boilerplate on most supplier bids)…
ViewProjects succeed through craft
In the late Nineties, I was involved in building the first series of dual-activity ultra-deepwater rigs. Faced with flat screens and joysticks, the drillers would…
ViewToo sexy for your shirt? We don’t think so
‘I’m too busy!’ was the recurring retort from one of my long-ago supervisors. ‘Don’t you know I have a company to run?’ The statement was…
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