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You can't as they would say "Have your cake and eat it too".. Quick and Cheap - just isn't there, they see Star Wars and Star Treck and the computer spits out information at a verbal request. It just aint possible - "You Know What I Mean - Vern".To reduce development time - moneys (which the CIO will not release) must be spent on Processes, Procedures, single data source and repository (or OO Library) software. Once these are in place - new products can utilize existing code - business information and knowledge - the art of programming is no longer an Art - it is a Science.. just like Architecture - why redesign a bridge from the ground up for each bridge you build... there are set guidelines, set requirements, already learned best practices that are in place. Same with programming - why rewrite the code that querries a data base for X when it is already done. Why Rewrite the Validation routines - because the Development field has always been considered an ART - just as at one time Architecture was - now its a science.. And that what we have to move Project development, Project Design and Programming into - It must become a science - with set rules - set procedures - with best practices - reusable modules -
I agree with you wholeheartedly - I am a former, burned-out Project Mgr that is now in the Project Office group - setting up processes for this very thing. Problem is, the sr. mgmt. are still pushing unrealistically, and he is only pushing process because it looks good to say we are a CMM Level 3 organization. But he waives process for things all the time - thus creating a black hole where his most important and key projects go into with no monitoring, and he is free to push them as hard as he feels is needed. Any thoughts on what to do in that situation?
I agree with your comment Jim, the major problem is that the management does not know or does not have the skillset to know who has the skills to make the modular program methodology work. What they commonly do is dump the skilled professional who works on the project for the "cheaper" skilled labor, and they have no idea where the person left off or how the modules work at all.
While I agree that downsizing because of the science of programming, there still needs to be responsibility and accountability when they hatchet the skilled programmer versus the person who holds up the water cooler.
While I agree that downsizing because of the science of programming, there still needs to be responsibility and accountability when they hatchet the skilled programmer versus the person who holds up the water cooler.
Right on the money too ! Something for nothing is what the bosses are after and not only that, it's supposed to have artificial intelligence and fix itself. Ever notice that as employees, we try to save the company money, but not when it comes to our salary and bonus. Let's see managers and CEO's make at least twice what we get, don't do any of the work and pretend like it's so easy and should be automatic and take the credit for the accomplishment when something positive does come from it. What they don't realize is that the staff sweats the details for them, so they don't have to.
I have very little sympathy for someone who takes credit for the work others have done, makes significantly more than the rest of the group actually doing the work, always blames a scapegoat for something they should be able to do as a prerequisite for becoming the manager. Remember managers, you are ultimately responsible for whether the project got done, regardless of the staff's shortcomings ! Look at your paycheck if the date coincides with the job description, then you have to take responsibility.
I have very little sympathy for someone who takes credit for the work others have done, makes significantly more than the rest of the group actually doing the work, always blames a scapegoat for something they should be able to do as a prerequisite for becoming the manager. Remember managers, you are ultimately responsible for whether the project got done, regardless of the staff's shortcomings ! Look at your paycheck if the date coincides with the job description, then you have to take responsibility.
I've read the books and gone to school, then worked the IT industry for nearly 30 years. I can count the number of scientists on one hand.
Unfortunately, most of the CIO's and other senior management don't seem to grasp the cost of NOT being organized.
Unfortunately, most of the CIO's and other senior management don't seem to grasp the cost of NOT being organized.
You know what? After reading these posts and the article that sparked the retorts - if you were to take out 'IT' and a few minor details, you couldn't tell the difference between the environment in an IT business to that of a Car Dealership get-up!
Superiors are always going to breath harder down the neck of the most valuable worker! Due to jealousy, ego, or simply because of the "It must be done here and NOW - and if he is the only one that can do it, then he'd better!"
I read the words of one man on this board in a 'middle management' position who was venting off about the hierarchy who had used two 'teachers pets' against him. While reading the post, you envision a fist up in the air with with the passion of vengeance ... Or even worse. - The fact that he will waist his time dwelling in his past experience after (or if) he gets a job in a new company in the same type of position, reeking with the same attitude. Of course, he will be hurting others in the process. A vicious circle.
Then, I hear the '8 hour' who used the word "pay", "my pay", or any phrase where the target was his/her 'pay'!
I have worked at a job I actually liked just because of the blueprint of the company and my tacitity with customers. Even though I was getting harassed, had my notes torn in front of my face, co-workers trying to intimidate me and coming home with tears in my eyes (or at times, at work!) ... The fact that customers 'demanded' to speak to me instead of anybody else was well worth the these zingers! I became indispensable (before I quit). I was receiving 'cognac', flowers - even from families!
This "My Pay", "Bully Boss" - "Oh! 'Teachers pets, huh?", attitude has got to stop. People are too complacent in important arena's, yet competetive enough not to group together and petition to have the slave drivers on top removed or replaced - which you "ALL HAVE THE POWER TO DO!"
'Nautious!'
You lost me on what you where trying to say - are you saying that the IT professionals needs a Union to represent us?
We need to pay someone major dollars from our pays - to outfit that will take care of us in case we walk? They will help until we get what we asked for, they will give us squat. Look at the Teamsters (I would be ashamed - after that HBO special if I was a Teamsters leader)- Like the teamssters did for their brothers that have been out for 28 months against a national truck company. They told there members they had millions of teamsters behind them - and Zippo - these folks are still out.
NO UNION - They Suck worse than most management
We need to pay someone major dollars from our pays - to outfit that will take care of us in case we walk? They will help until we get what we asked for, they will give us squat. Look at the Teamsters (I would be ashamed - after that HBO special if I was a Teamsters leader)- Like the teamssters did for their brothers that have been out for 28 months against a national truck company. They told there members they had millions of teamsters behind them - and Zippo - these folks are still out.
NO UNION - They Suck worse than most management
You should always keep a balance in your checkbook for emergencies and you should always look at your checking balance before writing a check.
When assigning tasks, I try to plan for about 80% of the staff time (32 hours per week per person). This leaves some leeway for unexpected problems, dentists' appointments, and people just having a bad day. I prefer to take the risk of idle time on the part of my staff in return for greater assurrance that we can meet our schedule commitments.
Todo this I need to know what my staff is working on. For some, I will already know, but for others I will have to ask. Before assigning a task, I make sure that the staff member or members has available time. If not, I rearrange the task assignments and if need be defer some tasks in order to get others done.
As a manager, you cannot just assign tasks without examining the current workload, just as you can't just write checks without looking at your current balance. To do either one is toguarantee you are overdrawn.
When assigning tasks, I try to plan for about 80% of the staff time (32 hours per week per person). This leaves some leeway for unexpected problems, dentists' appointments, and people just having a bad day. I prefer to take the risk of idle time on the part of my staff in return for greater assurrance that we can meet our schedule commitments.
Todo this I need to know what my staff is working on. For some, I will already know, but for others I will have to ask. Before assigning a task, I make sure that the staff member or members has available time. If not, I rearrange the task assignments and if need be defer some tasks in order to get others done.
As a manager, you cannot just assign tasks without examining the current workload, just as you can't just write checks without looking at your current balance. To do either one is toguarantee you are overdrawn.
Smart move... you have to leave room for the unexpected and last minute "favors" from managers and clients. There's another benefit of this approach, that people aren't working at 100 miles per hour and have some time to reflect, think, and be creative. Tom DeMarco talks about this "slack time" in his latest book, and while most managers don't want to think about their developers without a full plate, the concept is real, and the benefits are proven.
This article was right on target. But it's pretty simple. You have x dollars to get the job done. You spend it on resources: hardware, software, and people. You can't do every project. So you have to pick and chose those that are most valuable to the company.
When the glass is full...you stop.
All the "we just have to have such and such by this (unrealistic) date" is just "hooey". No one, from top to bottom has the you-know-what to say NO! Upper management knows that it can't run that hardware 48hrs per day. But it can coax, trick, force, the human component to work longer hours.
In reality, this is a great disservice to shareholders. In the short term, it looks like productivity increases. (You're paying for an 8hr/day person but getting 12 or even 16hrs/day out of them.) But the reality is just the reverse.
Poor management like this results in rework (a decrease in productivity), angry customers/users who have to suffer with the poor quality (and take their business elsewhere), and loss of top performers who either check-out or quit. It's really something that you ought to fire someone for doing.
Don't worry, places like this eventually reap what they sow. It's just a pity that they have to ruin so many lives in the process.
When the glass is full...you stop.
All the "we just have to have such and such by this (unrealistic) date" is just "hooey". No one, from top to bottom has the you-know-what to say NO! Upper management knows that it can't run that hardware 48hrs per day. But it can coax, trick, force, the human component to work longer hours.
In reality, this is a great disservice to shareholders. In the short term, it looks like productivity increases. (You're paying for an 8hr/day person but getting 12 or even 16hrs/day out of them.) But the reality is just the reverse.
Poor management like this results in rework (a decrease in productivity), angry customers/users who have to suffer with the poor quality (and take their business elsewhere), and loss of top performers who either check-out or quit. It's really something that you ought to fire someone for doing.
Don't worry, places like this eventually reap what they sow. It's just a pity that they have to ruin so many lives in the process.
I think many American workers need to develop a little backbone and "just say no" (politely but firmly) to life-sucking, soul-destroying work demands. Life is just too damn short, and if you are a valued worker, "management" just might decide to respect your boundaries. If they won't, maybe you're in the wrong job!
On a related note, the freedom to walk away from a "Job from Hell" is directly proportional to how financially overcommitted one is or is not. Something to keep in mind the nexttime "new car fever" strikes!
On a related note, the freedom to walk away from a "Job from Hell" is directly proportional to how financially overcommitted one is or is not. Something to keep in mind the nexttime "new car fever" strikes!
Just saying "No" is not really a productive solution. It is the manager's responsibility to determine what gets done and when. Make him and allow him to excerices this responsibility.
If your boss over schedules you, do not just say no to the new work, or worse, say yes and ignore it. The boss may not be aware of the tasks you are currently working. Let him know which tasks you are working and provide some alternatives in how to juggle the tasks, i.e., which ones you can complete when. If the boss still does not provide you with prioritization, then take it upon yourself to prioritize the work and complete what you can working a reasonable schedule.
Ultimately, it is up to you to determine how many hours you will work, but it isyour boss's responsibility to determine what things you will work on during those hours. Work with your boss so that both of you can satisfy your goals.
If your boss over schedules you, do not just say no to the new work, or worse, say yes and ignore it. The boss may not be aware of the tasks you are currently working. Let him know which tasks you are working and provide some alternatives in how to juggle the tasks, i.e., which ones you can complete when. If the boss still does not provide you with prioritization, then take it upon yourself to prioritize the work and complete what you can working a reasonable schedule.
Ultimately, it is up to you to determine how many hours you will work, but it isyour boss's responsibility to determine what things you will work on during those hours. Work with your boss so that both of you can satisfy your goals.
I agree that proritization is a good mechanism to achieve a common goal with limited resources in an objective environment. Just like we received a lot of user requests to enhance or modify a system. With limited IT resources and manpower, we normally have to table all their requests in meeting and prioritize them together with the users to compromise a schedule. The only different now is the user is your big boss!
There are indeed some bosses who accuse their staff of incapability in tasks priorization when the staff delayed in completing certain tasks that "seems to be important" to the bosses. Ironically, the boss often has number of so-called "important" tasks in her mind, but she doesn't consider how long each task will require to complete realistically.
I've heard a funny analogy of pushing staff to completing tasks which it is just like pushing a pregnant lady to early deliver a baby. Every task requires its minimum time of effort disregarding the efficiencies or effectiveness of the handling, like a sperm requires time to become a baby. Pushing to deliver a baby (task result) most likely would cause the baby died (the project/task failed) or abnormality (poor quality of the project/task), or even cause problems with the mother (the staff) too!
There are indeed some bosses who accuse their staff of incapability in tasks priorization when the staff delayed in completing certain tasks that "seems to be important" to the bosses. Ironically, the boss often has number of so-called "important" tasks in her mind, but she doesn't consider how long each task will require to complete realistically.
I've heard a funny analogy of pushing staff to completing tasks which it is just like pushing a pregnant lady to early deliver a baby. Every task requires its minimum time of effort disregarding the efficiencies or effectiveness of the handling, like a sperm requires time to become a baby. Pushing to deliver a baby (task result) most likely would cause the baby died (the project/task failed) or abnormality (poor quality of the project/task), or even cause problems with the mother (the staff) too!
We are experiencing this because of down sizing.
No matter how organized we are, no matter how well we feel we have communicated...there just isn't enough workers to do the work. Therefore I have noticed a very high amount of sickness. This just makes everyone even more frustrated. This problem is that there just isn't any solution until the economy turns around. This year is flat so I predict this be be a banner year for the doctors!
No matter how organized we are, no matter how well we feel we have communicated...there just isn't enough workers to do the work. Therefore I have noticed a very high amount of sickness. This just makes everyone even more frustrated. This problem is that there just isn't any solution until the economy turns around. This year is flat so I predict this be be a banner year for the doctors!
Not from a perspective of being the manager. But my sympathy for a manager in that position is one of ambivalence. This happened to me a year ago. I was targeted for abuse everyday and endured it for 3 months under two of the biggest @ssh*les that I've ever worked for. You know, a 30 yr old MBA and another 30 yr old CEO's pet that haven't done the job, aren't capable of doing it and never will be required to do it and overpaid to boot. As the last year has unfolded, it is painfully evident the current climate in America is to layoff labor. Last time it happened, Bush and the recessive/retractive Republicans were in office and it's not any coincidence that it's happening again under his son "W".
But enough politics, I used to be a caringand understanding co-worker/employee, but my last 2 managers were the straws that broke the camel's back. I say 2 managers, because of what they pulled as they were shifting me as an employee from one to the other. I was tag teamed daily by both these jerks. Yes, I'm bitter about it and the next employer that thinks I have time for that company's problems better bring the corporate checkbook. There's only so much I'll put up with. Like I implied, I used to enjoy working and the challenges that came with it, instead I was played and discarded.
But enough politics, I used to be a caringand understanding co-worker/employee, but my last 2 managers were the straws that broke the camel's back. I say 2 managers, because of what they pulled as they were shifting me as an employee from one to the other. I was tag teamed daily by both these jerks. Yes, I'm bitter about it and the next employer that thinks I have time for that company's problems better bring the corporate checkbook. There's only so much I'll put up with. Like I implied, I used to enjoy working and the challenges that came with it, instead I was played and discarded.
What is great in America is the ability to relocate to a new job, career or city without the government (yet) intruding on your choices. (Wait for the USA Patriot - Passed by a Dem House and Senate! soon people will be asking what was the 4th Admin..)..
But - Like the other poster saids - based on your financial ability you can walk today - or start searching ... you don't have to stay.
I like the phrase - FUPM - which is F*&K You Pay Me ... I owe them 8 hours a day productive work - they owe me a pay check for those 8 hours. They want more - they pay more... Period - My boss starts screaming at me - he already knows we will be taking a walk outside Man to Man - or down to the HR(less) department. Job be dammed - I will no longer beabused by The Overlords - I respect them as my manager - I demand they Respect me as an Employee - nothing Less...
And yes - I was in some nasty downsourcing - abusive boss - areas as well - and agree with you 100% ...
But - Like the other poster saids - based on your financial ability you can walk today - or start searching ... you don't have to stay.
I like the phrase - FUPM - which is F*&K You Pay Me ... I owe them 8 hours a day productive work - they owe me a pay check for those 8 hours. They want more - they pay more... Period - My boss starts screaming at me - he already knows we will be taking a walk outside Man to Man - or down to the HR(less) department. Job be dammed - I will no longer beabused by The Overlords - I respect them as my manager - I demand they Respect me as an Employee - nothing Less...
And yes - I was in some nasty downsourcing - abusive boss - areas as well - and agree with you 100% ...
It's all very nice to stand on the moral high ground and draw a line in the sand when you have a job. I agree that one should not have to put up with abuse, but right now I feel I could put up with alot of abuse for a regular paycheck. As a very experienced and formerly well paid IT Professional, I am now cleaning houses to pay my rent (the house was foreclosed). I just wish I had an IT job to complain about. Count your blessings, boys.
We have a saying where I work....never enough time to do it right but always enough time to do it again (and again). I agree with the article and discussion points on many levels. It seems that many corporations of varying size are stuck in a "I want it NOW!" mode. I believe this stems from a focus on short term strategies (if in fact there are any) in both the business and IT side of the house. IT is often the kid that just wants to be liked and will do anything to please "the othe kids", even self destruct. There is less and less leadership and more "leaning" as units in IT compete to be the "fair haired" child to the most powerful within the corporation. This hits IT operations particularly hard as everything has become urgent (i.e. needs to be fixed) and it is difficult to determine the truly important. More decisions seem to be based on what's best for the "managers" career than what's best for the company.
Been there as well - I accepted that cost - which is a choice each of us individually must make. Stand up or lay down ... both costs.
I worked as a Paramedic ($20K) and at Walmart - hey it was no where close to my salary as a 20 year IT professional - but it paid the bills and put food on the table. And that was under the Great and Powerful Clinton Sex Years - But if you keep plugging away - you will land something, somewhere that have respect for their employees.
It's all what you wantto pay - I was driving the family nuts - and had a choice - A - or B - others live on that salary why couldn't we for a few months (better part of a year) ... And once you've done it - you know you can do it again if needed .. so my high ground as you call it - isn't high - its ground I am willing and have paid for before - and will do again..
Luck finding sometime - somewhere - I've walked that road (I've walked the walk) - it is not pleasent - and you have my Best Wishes and Hope for the future..
I worked as a Paramedic ($20K) and at Walmart - hey it was no where close to my salary as a 20 year IT professional - but it paid the bills and put food on the table. And that was under the Great and Powerful Clinton Sex Years - But if you keep plugging away - you will land something, somewhere that have respect for their employees.
It's all what you wantto pay - I was driving the family nuts - and had a choice - A - or B - others live on that salary why couldn't we for a few months (better part of a year) ... And once you've done it - you know you can do it again if needed .. so my high ground as you call it - isn't high - its ground I am willing and have paid for before - and will do again..
Luck finding sometime - somewhere - I've walked that road (I've walked the walk) - it is not pleasent - and you have my Best Wishes and Hope for the future..
IT, is also considered by many to be the ultimate resource. Since everything really hinges on getting data and summarizing it in a timely fashion, the IT side of the house that does programming is seen as the solution to everything. Being from the finance/accounting side, I've seen a lot of IT groups that were/are less willing to bend over backwards, much less program to appease the other departments. Programming is what they do, instead, they want an accountant to be empowered, not only know what it takes to be the financial guru, they want the accountant to data mine, program and do what it takes to be the one-man show. The IT dept that I dealt with came up with the data warehouse and then had problems with disseminating how to utilize it to anyone else. So now the excuse was it wasn't their job to help end users. I won't go into the politics of the whole situation, but even the finance people sabotaged the system, by being too cheap to send it's employees to be trained with the software. There are a lot of reasons productivity is down, everything ftrom payscale to poor cooperation where IT people want to distance themselves as the only ones smart enough to use the system they created for job security purposes.
I have been reading this article and posts through out the day. I even printed it out and let a few of my colleagues read it. I was tempted to write about the creeping project I am on; you know the one that is getting the most attention, so let's add some more little things.
My company just went through it's drastic IT cut. It took about half of us. The Board and all the execs have been told that we are staffed for just day to day ops. There was a lot of dust that came out from under the carpet that need to be addressed, hence the project. My peace is over 600 hrs, it's due in 6 weeks. Let's not forget about the day to day stuff.
From what I have read here, it's like this every where.
I am burnt. I am the guy who would do it all for less, look where it has gotten me. I am thinking of getting out of IT, maybe EMS. I have just spent 10 min out of my project to write this, and this was the highlight of my day.
My company just went through it's drastic IT cut. It took about half of us. The Board and all the execs have been told that we are staffed for just day to day ops. There was a lot of dust that came out from under the carpet that need to be addressed, hence the project. My peace is over 600 hrs, it's due in 6 weeks. Let's not forget about the day to day stuff.
From what I have read here, it's like this every where.
I am burnt. I am the guy who would do it all for less, look where it has gotten me. I am thinking of getting out of IT, maybe EMS. I have just spent 10 min out of my project to write this, and this was the highlight of my day.
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