Michael Pattinson, Senior Rail Industry Leader at Network Rail
In this Blue Light Leavers Podcast and Blog episode, Andy Labrum talks with Michael Pattinson, Senior Rail Industry Leader at Network Rail. Michael talks about the benefit of bringing ex-Police Officers into Network Rail, as well as the future of IT in Network Rail and what opportunities that will bring. In addition, he discussed his humble background and how it's influenced where he is today. We can all learn something from Michael. Be sure to listen to the podcast here or keep reading.
Who is Michael Pattinson?
Michael comes from the North East and that's shaped how he sees the world. He takes opportunities where he believes he fits. He reminds himself constantly about how privileged he is to be a senior rail industry leader.
His mother comes from a working-class background. His father comes from an upper-class background and feels his father still carries a 'bit of a chip on his shoulder' about it. That made Michael really thoughtful and curious about the world. He had a balanced, amazing background where he could see privilege and see how people didn’t work for what they have, and then there are others that work really hard for what they have. It’s a catch 22. Michael doesn’t chase success, instead, he’s thinking of what success means. It doesn’t mean money or job titles. Not wanting to be in this Senior position, is ultimately what brought him to be in the Senior Rail Industry Leader position.
The Importance of Humility
Having a degree of humility is important. Not knowing everything and being curious about the world. Michael has always had a bit of anxiety in his life and actually feels lucky for it. Because as he says, 'it does keep his ego in check.' However, he does have to do a lot to manage his mental health. It’s important to look after yourself and recognise the signs of stress and make sure everything is working as it should.
What are the advantages of bringing in people from Law Enforcement backgrounds?
Michael helps a lot of members of the Blue Light Leavers Facebook Group. So what skills do Military and Emergency Services professionals bring? For Michael, there are 3 categories.
- Public Service. Network rail staff have a desire to serve and do something “bigger than themselves” This purpose gets people out of bed.
- The skills and experience that Military and Emergency Services professionals have. For example, fast decision making, understanding, and resilience.
- What makes good organisations tick is having lots of different people who think differently. 'We need organisations with people from different backgrounds.'
The Future of Public Services
Public services have been damaged by politics. They now look a lot different to what people “bought into”. A lot of people live in a world that they expected to be different. A lot of people will be doing a wide range of roles. Michael thinks he will see fewer people complete 30 years in the police force or in the military. It’s difficult to manage. How are we going to make our public services work really well when we don’t have people invested for a long time, unless you can create a really positive “idea sharing” environment.
Employment at Network Rail
Michael advises to check out the available careers online. In addition, befriend the recruiters on LinkedIn. Thirdly, follow people like Michael Pattinson as he shares job postings. In addition, make sure you have a good CV. If you don’t know how to write a CV, employ someone to do it. As if you don’t do a good cover letter and CV, you won’t get past the first round of viewings. For Michael and Andy alike, it’s all about networking and researching.
Digital Factory
Network Rail is starting an exciting opportunity called the Digital Factory. People use technology as part of our everyday life. Technology and programmes can forget this. Digital Factory is trying to do something different by using human centered design, combined with other techniques to make ideas come to life or to fix problems. You do that by putting people, clients at the centre of the design. Digital is the way that people and businesses interact with technology. It’s a factory because it’s not an innovation lab, it actually produces stuff.
Future of Organisations
It’s interesting because this is the future of organisations. It’s the people who do the work that make the organisation tick. The digital factory is being designed by the people who actually work it. There will be lots of opportunities in management, design, and sales. The team will double in size by April 2020. They will be fixing problems that have never been fixed before.
Most excitement element
Michael thought it was going to be a change of digital products, but it’s not. It’s about culture. Projects are your organisational change engines, but they rely on having a good idea and having the right people to do an idea. The cultural service is something that will be the biggest product, rather than a mobile app.
If Ex-Police Officers want to work in IT, how can they stand out?
Michael doesn’t have a technology background, but, you do need to have a good understanding of IT and a broad understanding of IT is important. Michael says, “people spot an attitude before they spot aptitude”. An employer or recruiter looks firstly at how well you interact with a team and how you think, question, and challenge. Then, they consider technical competencies.
Key areas that people should look at when preparing for an interview
Michael offers practical advice. Firstly, you have to be positive about fitting the role. People do judge in the first 5 seconds. Secondly, answer the questions. They follow the STAR interview approach. Follow that and you cannot fail. Thirdly, practice interviews as there’s a real technique. Interviews are two way. You’re looking if this employer is for you and the employer is asking the same thing. Fourthly, consider that failure is a good thing. With each interview that you don’t get, take in the feedback.
“You will fail, but it’s not a failure. Take the good and look after yourself”.
Michael exercises, eats well, and sleeps well to take care of himself. Be sure to do the same to keep your mental and physical health strong and focused.
Don't forget, you can join the Private Facebook Group. You can connect with Michael via the Blue Light Leavers private Facebook Group. You can also access a free Emergency Service Professional's Guide to LinkedIn via this link: https://www.bluelightleavers.com/pl/95723. You can access the Blue Light Leavers Facebook Group via here and the Blue Light Leavers website via www.bluelightleavers.com
