On Tue, 2005-01-11 at 06:59 -0700, Christopher A. Williams wrote: <SNIP> > This doesn't sound good at all. If it's the powers that be who are > saying this, the real answers to your questions are: > > 1) They probably don't know themselves, but they got "sold" with a > really flashy demo... Yes, the OOHHH PRETTY!!! effect ;^). > 2) You personally can't unless you're their boss - that train has > already left the station. Your best hope is that, if the answer to > question 1 is correct, they will fail because they actually don't know > why they want what they do. In this case, no matter what technology you > deploy, failure is almost certain because the expectations from > management and what's actually possible will be 2 very different things. Been there, done that. Best thing I've found is to step out of the way and let whatever consultant demoed the product implement it and really mess things up and waste a-lot of the companies money. Be helpful but don't take ownership of the project, keep your eyes and ears open to what the users really want and when the whole project goes down the tubes you will be in a good position to offer a functional alternative. Otherwise if you question the project too much you will be labeled as obstructionist and not a "team player" and may very well end up the fall guy when baskets of money are spent for no gain. Yes, it's disingenuous maybe, but can be entertaining watching executives & consultants sweat and you may end up being the hero. It's the only way I've found to keep sane and happy when management decides that some technology or new business process will cure all the companies ills and the biggest ill is lack of listening. Regards, Paul
