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Jaywalk
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I'm working on a major project for work that is suitably named "Project Jaywalk". I don't like discussing details about work on my blog, but let's just say that if I didn't shave my head, I'd be bald anyway. This project affects a lot of people and you learn a lot about how the most trivial things become mountains to move. It's frustrating, but nonetheless good experience. I've learned enough so far to handle things way, way differently the next time I'm doing something similar.
Lesson Learned #1 - Involved *less* people. Inaction by committee is a regular occurance and in the end, it just costs money to do nothing. I understand the general desire to solicit input and be communicative, but when everyone wants their own way and decisions don't get made it leads to a whole lot of nothing.
Lesson Learned #2 - Discover your decision makers and stake holders clearly up front. *Demand* their input and don't accept "I'm busy with other things" as an excuse for them to not pay attention. Otherwise, you're setup to fail.
Lesson Learned #3 - Understand and document deliverables clearly up front. Make sure that your stakeholders and business owners sign off on a written list of deliverables. If you don't have time to develop a complete list of deliverables, delay the project. Don't start on the wrong path from day one.
Lesson Learned #4 - Don't forget that keeping the lights on is critical too. Never underestimate the amount of resources you have and make sure your butt isn't hanging out in the wind. It's an age old saying, but it can't be said enough: C.Y.A.
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