Musings for a Belated New Year
I often see new year as a time to retrospect, to look at things that I learnt, hard way mostly :-) and this time I want to look at past 20 years of learning and share some of these learning with fellow professionals.
One of the things that changed, constantly, for most of us, is the role that one plays over a period, professionally. In my case, I started in April 1999 as an individual contributor and now I'm responsible for running a business.
Interestingly enough, learning is more or less similar, irrespective of the role that I have been playing all these years, well, for the most part.
- For instance, when I am responsible for somebody else's work, I have learnt to allow my team mates to make mistake and, most importantly, keep a room for mistakes in my plans!
- It helps to be less emotional at work, it avoids making hefty price for your emotions at work.
- I have always thought of work as an eternal entity (it will always be there, come Monday or a Friday!), and I seldom think of finishing work, because I know there is always a tomorrow where I can start again and get on with my work.
- I have realized that getting things first time right is far more valuable than getting things done quickly.
A project will have higher chances of success if customer wants it to be a success ?? A universal rule that I experienced first hand with all my projects in India, Americas, Middle East and Europe alike! Do remember that customer is often a different stakeholder than person/people who hired you/your organization for the project.
Information technology or IT as we call it has the power to make life easier, however, our choices make all the difference if it does that. These choices relate to processes, culture, tools, platforms et al.
Continuous learning is the name of game, one accepts this fact, sooner or later. Change is the only constant, for most professionals and age and role has not much to do with the desire and/or need to learn.
What are some of things that you’d be willing to share with fellow professionals that you’ve learnt in your profession? I would love to hear them. Please share it here or write to me at [email protected]