While it might seem like an unlikely source of business efficiency, the principles honed in nuclear power’s high-stakes industry are directly applicable to projects across various sectors. Imagine having a project manager who brings a level of scrutiny, precision, and risk mitigation typically reserved for nuclear power plants to your cancer center development project.
Radiation Business Solution’s Vice President of Business Operations and Project Development, Trip Leasure, is a retired Navy officer with over 22 years of experience in the Navy’s Nuclear Power program. This background has provided him a unique expertise in safety, operations, maintenance, and planning, and below, he will share this expertise with you!
Questioning Attitude: The Cornerstone of Success
One of the core tenets of nuclear power project management is a relentless questioning attitude. This isn’t about nitpicking; it’s about identifying potential problems before they become costly issues.
A recent project provides a perfect example. During a pre-installation walk-through for the Linear Accelerator, the vendor and construction superintendent were discussing seismic tie-down bolts. The vendor and contractor seemed confident in their placement, but a nagging doubt led me to question their process and the required tolerances. This seemingly minor inquiry resulted in a crucial clarification.
Had we blindly accepted their plan, a costly mistake would have occurred. The bolts would have needed to be destructively removed, new ones would have to be ordered, and the project would have been delayed by eight weeks. This delay would have cost the client approximately $500,000 in lost revenue.
Beyond Questioning: The Nuclear Power Project Manager’s Toolkit
In radiation oncology, precision and safety are non-negotiable. While a “questioning attitude” is essential, it’s just one tool. This streamlined guide outlines five key principles to help radiation oncologists and administrators lead complex projects—like technology upgrades, workflow changes, and facility expansion—without compromising compliance or patient care.
Fill out the form above to download The Radiation Oncology Project Manager’s Toolkit.
By applying the principles in this toolkit, RBS has consistently delivered projects on time and within budget, often exceeding client expectations.
Conclusion
While the nuclear power industry might seem worlds away from your project, the underlying principles are universally applicable. A former nuclear power project manager brings a unique skill set that can save your project time, money, and headaches.
