Vague Job Scope Leads To Annoyance 1

[MeGustaXL]

I'm one of a number of "Subject Matter Experts" with responsibility for producing the specialist input to the Company's reports, and more importantly, Bid Responses.

[red]Scene One: In the Project Manager's Office[/red]

PM: So you'll do the [SME] bit for this Bid by next Friday, yeah?

Me: Sure thing Chief - same format as the last couple of bids OK?

PM: Actually, no. I want you to think about answering the Customer's Exam Questions and provide the full data for those requirements.

Me: Got an example layout for me?

PM: No, just do it how you feel it looks best.

Me: [thinks: Hmmm...] Yep, sure, fine, OK

[red]Scene Two: Next Friday, at my desk[/red]

PM: That's not really what I wanted. Look how [Other SME] has laid his/her response out - that's what yours should be like!

Me: [Smiling] I thought I was expected to do it how I felt looked best. Or did I misundertand?
[aside]Note how I've avoided the confrontational use of "You", and transferred any blame to "Me" [/aside]

PM: Look, I'm not prepared to accept this, no matter how big or special you think you are, and....

Me: [interrupting with barely-concealed fury] I can change it if there's anything fundamentally wrong with it, but...

Cue shouting match and 14 hours (unpaid) overtime to rework the documant.

How could this have been handled better?

Chris

Rule One: NEVER volunteer - My Dad

 

[Grenage]

I'd probably have handled that by nodding and grinning, then looking for a new job!


Carlsberg don't run I.T departments, but if they did they'd probably be more fun.

 

[flapeyre]

Never, ever accept verbal tasks without written backup. What they write or e-mail you is what you will do. Nothing more, nothing less, without further written authorization, period.

If specifications are given verbally, always follow up to the requester with an e-mail (copy your boss).

I don't even start until the user approves, by e-mail reply, the specifications. Same thing for changes. If the user "forgets", you have a paper trail to CYA.

Shouting match + unpaid overtime is avoided this way.

Feles mala! Cur cista non uteris? Stramentum novum in ea posui!

 

[MeGustaXL]

Abso-tively, flapeyre!

From that day on, my A is well-and-truly C'd

No more Mister Doormat-Guy. It's "When can you start?" - "About a minute after I receive your e mail with the required layout"


Chris

Rule One: NEVER volunteer - My Dad

 

[DirkStruan]

I agree that full written descriptions are required, but sometimes these are better after a conversation as the requester may not know exactly what they want or need (which is when they usually when they ask you to provide what you think is best!). Your input could steer them in the right direction and make life easier for you.

Another thought is that if there are several SMEs working on the same project (such as the bid responses) have a quick meeting / conference call to see how others are doing things & what instructions they have been given. You can then agree formats beforehand and raise any possible work duplication or contradiction issues that may look likely.

Admittedly this second step is what the PM should be sorting out, but it sounds beyond him. However, you could try inviting him to one of these meetings for an informal training session.

D

 

[MeGustaXL]

However, you could try inviting him to one of these meetings for an informal training session.

Cool! Nice! I'm gonna do it

Chris

Rule One: NEVER volunteer - My Dad

 

[SQLBill]

I have had something similar happen to me. I didn't do the same as you. Right from the first confrontation, I said "You told me to do as I saw best and I did so. Now you don't like it, that's okay. How DO you want it done, so I can do it properly." The next time I worked with the person, I said that "I would need it in writing so there wouldn't be any confusion as there was the last time."

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[MeGustaXL]

Yeah, that's kinda how the Shouting Match began, with me doing a 180 on my previous self-blame approach and pointing the finger at the PM's own shortcomings as my customer.

Big. Miss. Take. Office-wide kudos for telling it like it is, Management-wide slating for questioning knowledge, intelligence, integrity, parentage, etc of PM

Chris

Rule One: NEVER volunteer - My Dad

 

[SQLBill]

Yeah, but you gotta keep it from 'fingerpointing' in anger to just saying: I was told to do it however I felt best, so I did. Now you don't like it, that's okay. It will take more work, but how DO you want it done?

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875