Work is picking up. 18 days before going live with a brand new IT solution. It’ll have been four months since we kicked off. We’re on our way to set the world record. Setting records is what we do.
So much fun. So little time. I can barely find the time to use the bathroom. I’m not drinking enough water (cause I forget). I’m having fun, and the team is energized. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead a big and diverse team of 50+ cross-functional people.
Did someone give me a fancy job title? No.
Did they give me a list of stuff to do? No
Did my boss tell me to put in 14 hours today? No. But I put in the hours because I want to. Because I have to.
I know what has to be done, and so engage executives for support before putting the team together. My boss trusts me to do whatever is required to get things done.
No one asked me to create a project room. No one asked me to introduce scrum methodology to get everyone on the same page after seeing lack of accountability. I saw a gap that needed filling. I close gaps no one else sees. Or no one else bothers to fix. I choose to look. I choose to care.
I don’t ask for permission. I’d rather ask for forgiveness. Except there is nothing to forgive. A lot of thought goes into everything before I execute. People are happy with the change after they get used to it.
I don’t have a manual on how to lead a project team. I’ve had multiple opportunities to build a portfolio of cross-functional skills.
I believe anything is possible as long as I like what I’m doing, I apply my mind and ask people for help. We humans are social and helpful by nature (there are always exceptions to this rule).
Dependency is my least favorite word. Dependencies are problems yet to be explored and solved. Each of us have what it takes to remove dependencies ourselves and move forward.
So… what are you waiting for? Figure out why you feel that way. Do a root cause analysis. Weigh the options. Understand the pros and cons.
Make a decision.
Solve the problem.
Get rid of that obtuse dependency!
Now, let’s get on with it.