When people think about engineering management, they usually picture broken machines, maintenance plans and equipment failures.
The reality can be very different.
Working on a manufacturing site along the coast has taught me that not every problem comes from the production line.
Every year, the seagulls return.
They build nests on our roofs, lay their eggs and become incredibly territorial.
I've seen contractors climb onto the roof to carry out essential work, only to be dive-bombed by angry seagulls determined to defend their nests.
Even walking between buildings can become an adventure.
Then there are the drains.
One day we found surface water drains completely blocked.
The cause?
Crabs.
The gulls had been bringing them over from the sea, dropping them onto the roof and around the site, where they eventually found their way into the drainage system.
It's not something they teach you when you're learning about maintenance management.
But that's engineering leadership.
You can have the best maintenance strategy, the most detailed shutdown plan and a well-organised engineering team...
...and still spend part of your week dealing with wildlife.
Over the years I've realised that being an engineering manager isn't about knowing exactly what problem is coming next.
It's about building a team that can adapt when the unexpected happens.
Because in manufacturing, there will always be another challenge waiting around the corner.
Sometimes it's a failed bearing.
Sometimes it's a supplier delay.
And sometimes...
It's an angry seagull protecting its nest.
What's the most unexpected problem you've had to solve at work?