"What do you really know about your process equipment?" Note: Emails are organized in the order received, with first received at the top. Mind reader! When I started out back in the early 1970s, bosses were promoted from within, or at least came in already knowledgeable... In the last 10 years the idea was that "a manager was a manager was a manager". So many folks brought in that were clueless... I know "my stuff", I don't want to manage stuff I am clueless about. Once in the last 35 years, I had a position for 18 months where I was responsible for stuff I was clueless about, nor cared to learn about. I quit. Invensys / Foxboro a couple of years ago brought in a US President from EDS who was clueless. Foxboro at the time was 98 years old. She let most folks go in Foxboro, MA, most of the ones she asked to move to Dallas (where she had her ranch) declined to move and were canned. She hired some clueless cronies, and nearly ruined the company. Just one example. She was let go herself after 2 years. Larry Wells Atlanta, Georgia, USA *** I liked your article on knowing the equipment. Know it inside and out. Add to that knowing where the instrumentation is located and you'll know what the "numbers" in the DCS are telling you. The "field trips" are invaluable. Roger Nussman AbitibiBowater Catawba, South Carolina, USA ### Have a comment? Send your email to jthompson@taii.com. Unless you tell us otherwise, we will assume we can use your name if we publish your letter.