I am Mission Success: Zane Brorman
Take 5 minutes to learn about Zane Brorman, line-item project controls representative. This article details his role at Pantex and reinforces the diverse workplace culture here. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of PXD.
Growing up not too far from Pantex, Zane Brorman was like many people in the site’s neighboring communities: he thought he knew about Pantex.
The site’s size, scope, and efficiency became clearer, however, when he joined the Pantex workforce.
“You always hear about Pantex and how many people work there, but you never really understand until you see the day-to-day operations,” he said. “I never thought I would be involved in construction projects at a nuclear facility.”
It may not have been the career Brorman envisioned, but life’s unexpected journeys are often the most rewarding.
“In college, I started working part time for a construction company in Amarillo, and I have just kind of run with it since. It is really cool to see a project from start to finish, no matter the size,” he reflected.
Looking back, Brorman better understands not only the complex makeup of the site and all the various work that goes on here, but also the common purpose that unites its people.
“There are many people who work at Pantex who are from different walks of life,” he explained, “but we are all on the same mission.”
All Pantexans have a share in the site’s mission to enable the U.S. military to field a powerful deterrent to the nation’s adversaries. Brorman indicated his work at Pantex has given him an even higher regard for his personal contribution to that mission.
“My current role on the [High Explosives Science & Engineering Facility] project has really put the mission into perspective,” he said. “Being involved with the construction of a much-needed updated facility gives me a daily reminder that I am helping achieve the Pantex mission.”
To that end, Brorman believes he brings a lot to the proverbial table at Pantex.
“A good work ethic … is something that my dad instilled in me when I was growing up out on the farm,” he explained. “My work ethic has helped me achieve the current role I have on the HESE project, and I believe that working hard within the team demonstrates my abilities to accomplish any task I am assigned.”
That solid work ethic is important but, by itself, it is not enough. To the incoming Pantexan, Brorman adds this sage advice:
“Never stop learning,” he said. “It’s something we could all benefit from.”
While the comment may have been uttered in a general sense, the notion of the group benefiting from the life lessons of each individual is, of course, a concept embraced across Pantex. Nowhere, he said, is that principle more evident than on a construction project where life and death might literally hang in the balance.
“Communication is the most important part of the mission, in my opinion,” he said. “How can we work toward the same goal if there is no communication? The ability to communicate across all platforms of construction is very important to the success of a construction project; if information is not being relayed across different areas/departments, it could be devastating to the project.”
Sometimes, Brorman said, the way communication happens is as important as the message itself.
“When a coworker noticed a mistake on a report we were working on, he approached me in a respectful and constructive manner instead of pointing the finger and reprimanding me,” he said. “The overall experience taught me the significance of constructive criticism and supporting each other in a professional setting.”
According to Brorman’s supervisor, Kris Lindsey, this kind of learning and application are among his greatest qualities.
“Zane’s dedication, attitude and team mentality exemplifies mission success,” he said.
What is your top bucket-list item, and why?
I would say to play golf at Augusta National, but that is pretty much impossible, so just attending the Masters would be awesome!
What advice do you offer someone who has made a mistake in his or her job? How should they be accountable for that issue?
Take accountability and handle the situation in a professional manner. Acknowledge the mistake, and learn from it.
Every employee brings value to our tasks. Why must we be open to learning and hearing from others?
There are many ways to accomplish the same thing. Although you may not agree with their process, it does not mean that it is wrong. Also, it promotes the questioning attitude that we should all have.
What characteristics define a good leader to you?
There are many characteristics that define a good leader, but I think the most important one is trust.
What drives you to be successful?
Continuous improvement—always striving to do better the next day or next report helps me look for different areas where I can improve … Always do the right thing, no matter the outcome.