Beyond 254

Case of the Dueling Directors

Have you ever been in a situation when upper management does not have a clear, unified vision? Recently, I received opposing viewpoints from two different directors on the same project, in one day.

This project I am working on is one of my highest priority projects (I am currently managing around 10 projects at one time). One day, one of the director’s called (we will call Director1) and wanted to add a new feature that would totally change the design and add a lot of rework to the project. This new feature was not mentioned in the beginning, but later mid way through the project. This new feature caused me an extra week of re-work as I tried to obtain more background information. After the week was over, I set up a conference call to discuss the new design with the team and the other director (we will call Director 2). Director 2 asked me why I added this new feature. I stated that Director 1 wanted this new feature and told me it was mandatory. I told Director 2, I was just following orders. Director 2 disagreed with the addition of the new feature (added by Director 1) and told me to cease and desist. Director 2 told me that she will inform Director 1 of this decision. The two directors battled it out and the new feature was thrown out. But it irritated and frustrated me, because I wasted a week of re work that potentially caused a delay. Not to mention being placed in the middle of two battling egos.

I guess from my perspective, I should have made sure both directors were onboard with this new feature before I put in all the extra re-work. But my question is, shouldn’t upper management communicate with each other and agree to a vision before it is released to the rest of the team?

How Do You Define Yourself?

Have you ever been to a party or social function and the first thing someone asks when they walk up to you is, “What do you do for a living?” Another popular follow up is, “Who do you work for.” By asking these questions, its like people are trying to define and stereotype you by what you do and who you work for instead of getting to know the person inside.

I use to be one of those people who defined themselves by the company they worked for. Right out of college, I was recruited by one of the biggest and admired companies in America. Whenever someone asked me who I worked for, I would state my company name proudly, as if it were a badge of honor. Even my family members bragged about the company I worked for. In addition, I used to be caught up in job titles as another extension of oneself. Then one day, in May 2000, the unthinkable happened, I was laid off. I was totally devastated. Of course the fear of losing my income was terrifying, but the thought of losing my identity was disastrous. I made the mistake of looking to my job to identify me, instead of developing my own identity. During that time of unemployment, it felt like a piece of my soul died. I felt so much shame and embarrassment; I isolated myself from family and friends. But now that I look back, I realize that lay off taught me not to look toward a job or company to identify me. The last few years have been enlightening. It feels like my soul has been awakened. I have been learning a lot by going to church and have been delivered from looking for a company or job title to complete me. It feels so uplifting to know that I will always be me no matter what company I work for. A job title does not define who I am. Nowadays, I feel much stronger in my identity. I know what I want and the things that make me special.

Recently, I was hit on by a guy that used the company he worked for as his way to get attention. He worked for a very well known and highly admired company in this country. I thought to myself, how sad, this guy does not have enough self esteem to reveal his true personality, but instead he needs to hide behind his company in order to achieve validation. I hope he gains more self esteem and becomes delivered. If not, I just hope he never gets laid off, for his sake.

Escape from Corporate America Countdown

Having A Cold Can Actually Be Good For You

Today, I did not work because I was sick. I had the typical symptoms that would make anyone feel bad: scratchy throat, sneezing, congestion, sinus headache, etc. Even though physically I felt bad, mentally I felt great because I did not have to go to work. How strange and bizarre is that, feeling sick, but being happy.

I remember a couple years ago, I had a stomach virus that kept me out of work for an entire week. Even though, I had physical pain in my body, with the stomach cramps and nausea, I remember smiling and being at ease. I was out of work for an entire week and lost 7 to 8 pounds in the process. But emotionally and mentally, I felt something I had not experienced in a long time, relaxation, happiness and ease. It is a sad state of affairs in this country, when people would rather have a severe cold, than face their job.

Today, I used this time productively. I was able to do some reading and writing. But most importantly, I was able to get some much needed sleep that my body needed. Whenever you are out sick, try to use that time to work on your goals and a time to relax, so you can return to work refreshed and rejuvenated. I will probably be well enough to go to work tomorrow, but at least I had one extra day to relax, work on some goals and most importantly escape the stresses from the job.

Poor Communication: Breeding Ground for Confusion

The confusion that occurred earlier this week, when the VP of my department was concerned about one of my projects, got me thinking. If the directors at the highest level were communicating with their bosses, this situation could have been avoided. Where there is no communication, confusion is the direct result.

My suspicion concerning the events this week leads me to believe that my department VP was getting false information about this project from another VP. Both directors under these VPs were obviously not communicating the project information I was giving them. I provided project status to these two directors, as well as the managers under them. My question is why was this information not communicated up to the VPs? But as I mentioned earlier this week, did the VPs pay attention to the information in my executive summary? Anyway, going back to the topic at hand, it is the job of these directors to make sure the information flowed up. I did my part by communicating to the team members, managers and directors with bi-weekly status reports and updates. But for some reason, the communication link was broken and panic set in.

I learned that if there is a break down in the communication chain, the first thing that management will try to do is blame you. Luckily, I did everything I should have on my end, by making sure the managers and directors were copied on important project issues. Plus, I SAVED all of my e-mails, in case I needed proof to back up the information that I sent out. So when you do everything in your power and have the proof to back it up, the only person they can blame is themselves. But, I doubt that their ego will allow that.

Can't You People Read!

Today I had a frustrating yet humorous experience. This experience showed me that upper management is not paying attention nor communicating important project information with each other.

Earlier this morning, I received an urgent letter from the VP of our department about the status of one of my projects. I found this letter quite perplexing, because he and the other executives should be aware of the project status for the following reasons:

• Meetings are held twice a week and the department directors, managers and team members are in attendance.
• Prior to each meeting, I send an agenda that details all the completed project tasks and status of new and ongoing issues.
• After the meetings, I send out a follow-up of the tasks discussed and any new issues.
• All directors, managers and team members are included on the agenda, meeting follow-ups, plus any other issues that arise.
• A summary of this project is included in my weekly executive summary that is reviewed by the company VPs, President and CEO every week.

So, you could understand my surprise when my department VP contacted me with this urgent e-mail asking for status. Then to make things even more frustrating, my department director got into the act and started to ask for status about items that were mentioned in prior e-mails addressed to him. One of those e-mails was sent earlier that day. Also, this director has received all the agendas and follow-ups, plus attended some of the meetings.

This is one case where I know I have done all I could to keep people informed. I was so frustrated by this that I wanted to scream, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE, CAN’T YOU READ!”

A Week to Reflect

This past week I attended a four day technical conference for my job. I looked at it as an opportunity to learn some tips to help me on my job and also a chance to get away from the office. But, while I was there, I learned more and more why I am not suited for this industry.

The conference was sponsored by a well-known company and contained four days of workshops, sessions, keynote speakers and product expos. I really enjoyed the parties they threw, because they did not hold anything back. They provided lots of food and great entertainment. But during the day, while I was attending the sessions and workshops, I realized how much passion these people have for what they are doing. The speakers and workshop attendees were very excited and enthusiastic about the products and their craft. I, on the other hand, was trying to stay awake and find a quick break during the sessions to sneak off and read my fashion magazine. I usually kept to myself as I attended the sessions. I was hoping that none of the attendees would start talking to me, because I was afraid of being exposed as a fraud and revealing my utter disdain and lack of interest in this industry. If I was truly interested and had a passion for my job, this conference would have been a wonderful experience. Now, I admit, I did learn some techniques to help me on my job. But I think if I had a passion for this subject matter, this week would have been nirvana. This is not a slap against the company, because they really know how to put together a great conference. But, for me, since the interest was not there, it would not have mattered if this company or a dog put this conference together, it still would have bored me. When you realize that your job bores you, but others around you are excited, that should be your first clue to start making the transition out and moving into what excites you.

A Sense of Purpose and Peace

Wouldn’t it be great to wake up each morning eager to go to work doing something you love? I mean something that you are not only passionate about, but will provide a sense of purpose and peace to your life. I believe if you are going to spend 40 plus hours per week doing something, you should get some sort of enjoyment and fulfillment. Sadly, most Americans do not find a sense of purpose and peace everyday; instead they only find frustration, irritation and misery.

When one has a sense of purpose in their life, they are excited, optimistic, hopeful and motivated. How do you find a sense of purpose? By answering the following questions:

• What are you naturally drawn to?
• What are your talents?
• What hobbies do you enjoy doing?

The answers to the questions listed above can help you determine your purpose and discover what you love. Once you discover what you love doing and start living that life, then you should start to discover that sense of peace. For me, going to work each day is a daily struggle. I have discovered that I truly hate the field I am working in. I work in the IT field and find it truly miserable. I should have known better than to work in this field, but I made the mistake of following the money. Even in school, when I took a computer programming course. I struggled with it. I should have used my past experiences in school as an indicator to my future career, but I ignored it. Also, the subjects you excelled in or did not excel in should give you insight to your hidden talents. While I struggled in computer programming, I excelled and was fascinated with psychology, sociology, photography, organizational behavior, marketing, business law and foreign language. I was a good student, but it was not a struggle with these courses. In fact, it was quite easy because I was so interested in these subjects. I realize now that my passion lies with creative endeavors such as fashion, interior decorating, health & wellness and self actualization. My passions and current profession are total opposites, so no wonder it is a constant struggle. If you are struggling within yourself, how can you have peace? Then when you add the other conditions such as: hostile work environments, toxic co-workers and unrealistic work expectations, it can really make every Monday absolutely miserable and unbearable. But instead of complaining, moaning and griping, I decided to start following my passions and take control of my life. The transition from misery to happiness is possible; you just have to take the first step to realizing your dreams and potential.