A Long Time Away

It has been quite a while since my last post.  Although I had ever good intention of sitting down to write I haven't and quite a bit has happened during that time.  Mile high I've been continuing on a path to find out what success today equates to in my current role as an executive.

I'll be posting details on where my journey has taken me as of late including attending some executive education programs at UC Berkeley but before that I thought it would be worthwhile to share a couple of thoughts and observations I've had recently.

I have no clue what you are saying: So some of my engineers I'm realizing have a difficult time explaining complex topics to those that do not have an engineering or computer science background.  It's fascinating to watch as from their perspective what they are saying makes total sense to them but now that I'm observing more I am able to see the blank looks and stares on people's faces as my engineers dive into gory details that the other party has no hope of understanding.  These same dazed and confused individuals are also at the same time terrified to ask questions further compounding the problem.

It's all about solving problems: I came to the realization early on in my career that of my strengths was the ability to find innovative and creative solutions to technical problems.  The same part of me that never liked saying "no" also translated to software development and architecture where there was a place deep down that could not stand (actually detested) saying "no - it can't be done".
I'm finding that same mentality is what is driving me and making me successful in my new role.  As an example I have the same stubbornness when faced with a hard capital budgetary constraint that could kill a project.  It's my responsibility to find a way to succeed even when presented with something that to others would be a showstopping roadblock.   I've also found that usually there is a solution out there that although it might not be a path people want to follow it can be done in most cases.

Less detail in electronic communication: where as in prior days detailed e-mails helped describe more complex technical topics in a way that others could understand I'm finding now that less details is better.  Perhaps for now my blog will be my outlet for spewing details - I have to say I've found this consolidation of electronic communication undertaking extremely difficult - certainly another blog post once I have some learning behind me.

Employees and Work-life balance: this is another topic that has come up and continues to be something I deal with throughout my organization.  More on that in another post.   It's an interesting debate whether this is a timeless phenomenon or something that is more generational.   Right now I'm of the opinion that it's the former.   At the end of the day life is about choices - give and take.  I find those that are successful and I enjoy working with have found the right balance but at the same time do put an emphasis on their professions - the challenge is conveying this to those who may not have the same philosophy.

That's it for the time being.  My goal for the next twelve months is to pen at least once of these posts per month.   And who knows, perhaps some may even dive into a technical problem I have solved.