Time and Tide
There is an old saying that Time and Tide wait for no man. As I begin to gradually receive more responsibilities in my work, I learn not only that time is a valuable and precious thing (my kids taught me this better than anyone), but that the management of that time is crucial. There are days when I feel like I?ve done nothing but spin the hamster wheel and get off, tired and worn out from a day that seemed to accomplish nothing.
I felt like this quite a bit during my days at ORNL. There seems to be a threshold, and while I only have banking experience I?m sure it applies in other areas, where you reach a point of red tape and approvals and meetings where things simply can?t get done. Sometimes a great idea, one that will bring the best change and the best efficiency simply can?t get done because it has to be approved by a dozen people.
I read recently that middle managers are those that have the power to say no but not the power to say yes. You don?t want or need people like that. There are plenty of times in my life when I can recall asking for forgiveness after doing something rather than permission and everyone being happy about it later. Sometimes those are risks you take. Pick your battles, they say on all the reality shows. Well, I usually miss the battles but hear about the fallout.
ORNL had the problem of taking a great idea and muddling it with salesmen. You simply can?t take something on the word of an admin, even if that person is, by definition, an administrator. No, you must get people from that company and perhaps rivals and talk to them about it. What do you, as a salesperson, know of network structure, maintenance and the like? Nothing? That?s what I thought. But those were the people most often listened to. It happens again and again, all over the world.
Today I got what I would call Small Business Shock. It appears to be a phenomenon that occurs only when working in a small group who is worried most about efficiency and how to improve it. You simply create a good idea or you come up with a good solution to a problem, and it just happens.
?We?re going to need to replace our current network server hardware,? I say.
?Oh, how long is that going to take?? I begin to think about finding a machine, getting the specs to my boss, then waiting for his feedback and then moving it on to the head man in charge, waiting until he gets around to it?
?About a month or so,? I tell him, just to give me a little room to wiggle if a person on the chain drops the ball.
?Why?? This floored me. How was I supposed to respond?
?Um, well?? I couldn?t really finish my thought. This was during a staff meeting and I didn?t want to explain the problem of red tape and approvals.
?How long will it take to get it in here,? he says.
?About a week, once I get the specs.?
?Okay then,? he says, with the air of ?and now, moving on?? And?that?s it. That?s the approval. A simple discussion during a staff meeting, to be followed by a rundown on the features with the boss, but the decision is clear: You can get the hardware necessary. Your red tape is gone. Your troubles on this end are nil.
Man, sometimes working at a small business just kicks my ass. I?m busy, but at least it?s not with bureaucracy.
Goddamn right it?s a beautiful day, uh huh.
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