Search
 

Three Cheers for King Canute!

If I had a buck for every time Ive had this conversation I could take my wife to Starbucks and really splurge. I meet with the executive of a prospective client to discuss their soon-to-start legacy replacement project and we talk all around the main issuesresources, split of work between...

By George Grieve | Updated on April 30, 2013
If I had a buck for every time I’ve had this ­conversation I could take my wife to Starbucks and really splurge. I meet with the executive of a prospective client to discuss their soon-to-start legacy replacement project and we talk all around the main issues—resources, split of work between vendor and in-house staff, possible use of third party help, how to measure business outcomes, how not to saddle the project with so many other “related” initiatives that it will be in danger of sinking from its own weight.

Finally a “C” level somebody asks, “So, how long will this take?” Silence descends like a guillotine. The room becomes still. “C” levels and minions alike gaze at me like I’m a laboratory specimen. But this is why I am here. This is my job. In journalism they call it “speaking truth to power.” In my line of work it’s called “getting real.”

Because inevitably the questioner already has an answer, and it is either some­thing they arbitrarily invented, heard and took out of context, made up consciously in order to “focus the team on success,” or more venally fits with their bonus objectives. Regardless of its genesis, the answer which this “C” leveler already “knows” bears little if any relation to reality.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.