The staff that’s entrusted to operate and maintain critical facilities are the most critical and valuable assets there are in the overall scheme of sustained continuous operations. No matter how well a facility is engineered, designed, and constructed, and no matter the quality of the equipment and systems installed, eventually they will fail if not properly operated and maintained by people. The best facilities not only rely on people, but on teams with clear direction and objectives, properly provisioned with the tools and resources required to accomplish their goals and duties, and perhaps most importantly, motivation to excel.
In short, the best run facilities have established a culture of excellence. Staff take ownership in their work, support their team, and are proud of their accomplishments, large and small, immediate and long-term.