I started out as a C/SQL programmer developing medical diagnostics, moved into a massive customer database (more C and SQL) and then to development for a POS system (and yet more C/C++) for a large retailer. At that company I switched over to the dark side, by which I mean management. I rose through my next couple management levels before taking Six Sigma training (I recently became a certified black belt) and making the leap to a process management team. It wasn’t until I got where I am today that I looked back and realized the most satisfying parts of my past had been in bringing process improvement to the teams I was on.
During my career, I’ve been involved in teams using QSR (a pharmaceutical industry methodology) and CMM. I’ve built an entire development process from scratch and measured its performance to show that it works.
I avoid referring to my current employer, any of my coworkers or myself by name on purpose. It is difficult to give an honest opinion about the situation if you are concerned about who might read it. It’s also really bad form to bite the hand that feeds you.
After about 15 years spread over software development, management and process improvement I’ve come to my own conclusions about what works and what doesn’t. Since I’m a dyed-in-the-wool cynic, I mostly like to talk about what doesn’t. Solutions? Maybe. Ramblings and Rants? Most certainly.
Cynic, n: a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. — Ambrose Bierce
May 4, 2008 at 3:51 pm |
you are a blackguard for sure… however, i say that not becuase i have read your rants so much as i have known you for years.
March 6, 2009 at 11:15 am |
Hi, I’m starting a blog to share my experiences and the challenges related to being the lone process guy in my company. You’ve written some objective pieces that could have garnered some criticism from management or others with fragile egos. Would you be able to share some tips on how to insulate yourself from the backlash of writing about your company?
March 6, 2009 at 4:56 pm |
I wish there was a good secret. For one, only a rare few people in the office are aware that this is the blog I write. I also made sure that my company policy allows me to write about my job, which it does. It comes with the caveat that I not use the company name so that my opinions are never construed as that of the company’s. And of course, I’m careful not to reveal any company secrets.
Even then, I’ve offended some people I work with for short periods of time. I try and keep my work truthful and evident that it is my point of view on the subject and they mostly forgive me.
March 12, 2009 at 7:55 pm |
Thanks very much for replying. I’ll take that advice. When I get my blog up and running with some real content, I’ll drop you a line.
March 12, 2009 at 8:52 pm |
I’d be delighted to read it; definitely let me know where to find it! I’m always looking for new ideas and takes on this stuff.
September 3, 2009 at 5:41 pm |
Excellent site, keep up the good work