Years ago (in what seems like another life) I was a consultant for a large company that was going through a complete HRIS overhaul at the same time that they were decentralizing the recruiting function within HR and the field. My role at the time was very much like a liason between IT and HR in getting things communicated between the two groups and changing IT-speak to English etc. etc.
Upon running into several very serious hurdles the President brought together all of the team players from each organization – as well as the major consultants he was told were involved. Having run into the IT lead on the way to the meeting we were naturally talking about several items I felt were of the utmost importance but that he felt could continue to wait – and this ‘warm’ discussion continued until we were seated next to each other when the President began the meeting.
What began as a “Tell me about…” from the leadership to the HR group became shot after shot across the bow of IT – straight into the unfaultering unwavering eyes of the gentleman next to me. These were major issues – many of which I had tried to discuss on our way to the meeting, if for nothing other than assurance that they were being looked at. After all, we were a mere month or so from implementation and there were several show-stoppers going unaddressed for HR.
After what seemed like an eternity of HR ranting (and yes, pleading) the President turned the the IT lead and said, “Okay – so what are we doing about these issues?” to which the individual next to me stood calmly and said, “Sir, we’ve got a plan.” and then was seated.
An awkward moment passed where the silence was deafening. The IT lead never broke a sweat – it was admirable how cool he was under fire.
“And what would that plan be?” responded the President.
Our hero stood and said, “Well… we’ve got a plan to make a plan.” and once again returned to his seat.
The President, clearly at the third level of irritation growled between his teeth, “That’s just the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” and without missing a beat looked at me (we’d only met briefly months before) and said, “Who are you and what is your role in this project?”
I stood and smiled as friendly as I could and said, “I’m the IT/HR Liason for this project – and my job is to stomp out stupidity.”
Before I could get all the way back into my seat the President pointed to the IT lead and said, “Start right there!”
The point of telling you one of my favorite memories as a consultant? After reading the Penelope’s blog yesterday about foot fungus I was reminded that simply having a plan to make a plan is stupid. When we’ve items of interest or that warrant action it’s important that we take interest and act with action – even if it means taking the first step and merelly locking down time on our calendars withing nothing more than an outline of what must be done.
Remember what William Penn said – “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
