The line between a manageable problem and a full-blown emergency can often be thin and blurry. My professional journey, both before and during my time leading Zeytech, has been punctuated with moments that transformed my understanding of this delicate balance. Here’s a sneak peek into a chapter of my professional consulting experience, offering a glimpse into the lessons learned and the value these insights can bring to IT professionals and business owners alike.
The Emergence of Critical Issues from Unaddressed Problems
In my early days of consulting, I quickly learned that emergencies don’t just appear out of thin air; they evolve from problems that, left unaddressed, grow into critical issues due to a lack of timely intervention. This realization hit me during a project that, on the surface, seemed to be progressing smoothly. Yet, beneath the veneer of progress, silent issues simmered, gradually building up to a point where a quick, tactical decision was the only way forward.
The aftermath of such situations is particularly disheartening for business leadership. The realization that you’ve missed the opportunity to thoughtfully navigate through the real issue not only feels like a setback but also diverts focus from current initiatives. It’s a stark reminder of the cost of missed opportunities for proactive leadership.
The Root of the Problem: Communication Breakdown
At the heart of these silent, growing issues often lies a fundamental breakdown in communication between the team handling day-to-day operations and their leadership. This breakdown can stem from various factors:
- The problem doesn’t seem important enough to escalate
- The risk to the business is not fully understood or communicated
- The team is overcommitted to daily operations, leaving little room for strategic foresight
While operational issues with customers tend to self-correct quickly due to their immediate impact, IT challenges embedded within the business can remain hidden. These issues are less visible and, when they do surface, are often complex and not well understood. Sometimes they come from a build up of compromises between IT and the business, to make delivery deadlines that add up over time and then are difficult to unwind in the moment of crisis.
A Lesson in Leadership and Communication
Early in my career, my pivotal learning moment came while working as a technical lead on a high-visibility project. The project was crucial, with significant implications for many end users. Despite the team’s hard work and dedication, technical complexities and resource constraints led to a missed deadline. The product owner’s reaction, however, was not what I expected. In a revealing one-on-one conversation, he expressed his disappointment not with the missed deadline per se but with being kept in the dark about the emerging challenges.
This conversation was a turning point. We agreed on a new way of working together: transparency and early communication about potential risks to our deadlines. This approach not only helped in resetting expectations but also in crafting a collaborative path forward. What was the actual agreement?
“Deadlines are meant to be kept. But at the first sign of a deadline risk, communicate it with reasons and solutions to what our options are. We will adjust the plan and renew expectation for the deadline.”
This meant early decision making for the product owner but it also meant a safe harbor for me to discuss problems as the one responsible for delivery. Following our agreement was the safest approach for both of us relationally, and it negotiated better outcomes for everyone. It also honored my team’s desire to do a good job for the product owner and business, but in a way that was inclusive rather than isolating.
Carrying the Torch at Zeytech
This ethos of open communication, timely knowledge-sharing, and collaborative problem-solving is not just a personal mantra; it’s the foundation of how we operate at Zeytech. Whether it’s with our Fractional IT Leadership, Managed IT and Support, or Custom Project services, our goal is to empower our clients and stakeholders. By arming them with knowledge, solutions, and the time to make informed decisions, we foster an environment where challenges are navigated with wisdom and strategic foresight.
The journey through IT and business challenges is a shared one. By embracing the lessons of the past and the principles of proactive communication and collaboration, we not only mitigate the impact of potential emergencies but also pave the way for a future where both challenges and successes are navigated hand in hand. This is one of my secret ingredients to not just surviving in the dynamic world of IT and business, but thriving within it.
Contact us today to discuss your own journey and how we may be able to help get you or your business to the next level.