The Ocean

U2 LYRICS

And I felt like a star - I felt the world could go far - If they listened to what I said.

I am trying to come up with a solution to a problem at work.  The situation is complicated in that there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians (or maybe it is the other way around) in the group that is tasked to solve this particular problem.  I have no skin in the game really as whatever the solution ultimately is, it will not effect my day to day work (other than maybe reflect poorly if the solution fails).  I am really more of a consultant.  Those with skin in the game all have their opinions (but not the advanced technical skills to make their solution work) and a few other consultant type folks have the skills but need direction (specifically one direction).

I was commiserating with another consultant for this project this past week that I either wanted off the train or I wanted to be the conductor.  Having a timeline and no clear direction was no fun and I wanted out.  I think though (if I was honest) I want to be driving the train.  Like Bono in this song, I think this committee would get far if they would listen to what the star (me) says.  The problem is, others feel this way too.  For the past (10) years or so, that is the way I ran things.  I was sort of a benevolent dictator when it came to problems like the one we are solving.  The problem is that we are expanding to the other regions (hence my trip to Romania 2 months ago) and so the scope has changed and we have to rethink everything.  Over the past (10) years I have had these same discussions over and over again (usually every time I got a new manager) so I know the script well.  The problem is that the ocean is bigger now and they are no longer looking at me like a rock start (which I have become accustomed to it seems).

I am still a rock star at home though so there is that.  Summer break started for the kids at 3:00 pm yesterday and at that same moment the wife quit her job (she had given a generous 7 week notice).  I have purchased a new office chair, a new home phone (the previous one interfered with the wireless router that I have) and a new headset.  I will be moving my normal work at home area back to my bedroom (I can at least close the door that way in case I need quiet for a meeting).  Being at home will afford me the attention as chief entertainer that I need (or that my ego needs).  The ocean is smaller but they at least listen to what I say.

Jon