The team was charged with rapid software development. After an embarrassing two-year debacle with a now-bankrupt software company incapable of delivering, My company engaged a loosely knit group of retired computer information science professors to undertake an intricate systems rewrite in seven months. Coupled with the talent and experience of the developers was my expertise of the business and significant support from senior management. Unfortunately, one of the team was a considerable hindrance to the timeline. This is the story of my professional dilemma with a new boss, Otto. The values conflict I wrestled with focused on our different work ethics, professional integrity, and Otto's manipulation of the perception of management.
Otto was hired as project lead by the company for two reasons: positive association with the organization as a previous consultant, and his connection to the team's chief developer. Otto negotiated his position with benefits for attending the University business school. Based on behavior, I perceived Otto's agenda throughout the life of the project focused solely on his role as student and making impressions on management. His commitment to the project was personal visibility, not a dedication to the project or the organization. While the team put in long hours, Otto confounded the project by demanding detailed documentation of trifles. While distancing himself from the tasks and issues facing the team, Otto demanded daily progress reports from team members with an inappropriate perfectionist documentation standard while he did class work, founded a chapter of Toastmasters, engaged in lengthy calls with fellow students, and worked an average six hour day. The reports were summarized and credit was taken. . I had encountered the Otto's of ...