Lost in thought…
Emma sat at her desk looking out into the programming pit, lost in a deep wondering…when will this end. It took a long time to sort out the next thing, then even longer to figure out what to do, design, code, implement and assess the impacts and modifications.
She sat, she thought, “I’m done, right?”
Emma and her team had been working on the project for the past six months. This project, the corner stone of the new corporate initiative to remake the technology platform for deploying the enterprise product solution, was high visibility and a career breaker.
Emma’s role in the project was a central test of her leadership readiness. She was the driver in design and development of the new product and in this role it was her responsibility to guide the project to success.
The project started with high energy, focus and a set of well documented requirements. But, as the job of technical design began to unfold various stakeholders lobbied for functional changes to the base deliverable. And, Emma’s world devolved into a series of difficult conversations with her superiors about scope creep, lack of focus, and needed resources to take on the added development requirements. She fought hard for her team and the product, but in the end she lost more battles than won.
Now six months have passed and the deadline is upon Emma and her team. The development and testing of the new product platform has been troubling, but appears to be meeting all the specified requirements and ad-hoc adjustments.
She has been spending her days consulting with her team and peers about the status of the final release….
As Emma sits in her reflective state she is puzzled by the rough time that just came to her. Everything she knows, analytically, informs her that she is complete with the project she and her team has been assigned. Yet, there is something that is stuck in her head about her responsibility.
After reviewing the project plan one more time and validating the delivery of all the software components, she still has the nagging feeling something is incomplete.
Reaching out to her lead developer, she discusses possible outstanding issues with the system. He reassured her the team had succeed in developing, testing and delivering all the necessary system components.
Valerie opened her door to welcome Emma to her corner office. “So, good to see you Dear. Have a seat”, Emma knew Val since her early days at the firm. She identified with Emma’s intensity and drive and she took an interest Emma’s career from the beginning, grooming her for future leadership roles, and promoting her into her current position. “What’s going on with the project? Everything on track?”, Val asked in her most maternal voice. Emma responded with a concerned expression, “I’m not sure.”
Val sat back in her chair, “We’ve passed all code reviews, the QC test controls, and the automated testing procedures. All the stake holders have signed off and they are extremely pleased what my team’s produced.” Val smiles back, “What seems to be the problem then?” Emma replies, “I don’t know. That’s why I came to talk with you.”
Valerie had been keeping track of Emma’s efforts through the course of the project. She knew the project had great significance for Emma’s future success and knew that leadership was very impressed with her performance and capability in negotiating the multiple stakeholder communities.
“Well, dear if everything is settled, your stakeholders are happy, and you’ve received sign off on the project, what could be left un-done?” Val asked with a knowing smile. “Okay,”, Emma sighed “I’ve seen that smile before Val. What am I missing?”
“Emma, I’ve seen you grow so much in your career and leadership in such a short amount of time. You can only accomplish this growth by setting high expectations for yourself.” Emma perked up and something started to buzz in her head.
“I’ve been paying attention to your performance as the leader in this project and I’ve seen first hand, the high expectations for your team, but more importantly, high expectations for yourself.” Val paused, “Do you know what I’m talking about Emma?”
Emma looked up and with a sober reply, “Say no more Val, I get it. What remains un-done is me….I need to take a step back and acknowledge myself for the great job I just accomplished.” Val smiled, “It’s a lesson every leader must learn. You’re done when you stop and acknowledge your accomplishment – celebrate what’s been created. Are you ready to do that?”
“Yeah, absolutely….wanna go to lunch with me?”, Emma offered. “Yes Dear and I’m buying!”, Val declared.
