There's always gonna be something
I've been consulting for 26 years now and I'm still sometimes surprised to learn that no matter how much due diligence you do, you'll still miss things.
Case in point: Working with a client recently on a system conversion, we discovered that the new system placed Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands in a territories field rather than in the US State field. (This is how google's API manages this data.)
This was a problem for the association because their members in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands have made it very clear that they want to be listed in the state field, not somewhere else! This happened even though the association and I had specced out very precise functional requirements for the new system. We just happened to overlook this detail.
The client and vendor worked together to address the issue and all is fine. But it was yet another example of how it's possible to overlook important details, even if you've done extensive work to cover everything.
My point is this: Even though we missed this detail, ultimately we were able to address it. And it's important to keep in mind, our goal is success, not perfection. There's always gonna be something!
Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives
But will you DO anything with that data?
But will you DO anything with that data? I frequently exhort my clients to always answer […]
It’s not what happens, but how you react…
It’s not what happens, but how you react… “It’s not what happens to you, but […]
Saying it and doing it are two different things
Saying it and doing it are two different things When I work with my clients […]
Benefits downstream are difficult to implement
Benefits downstream are difficult to implement In my 25 years of consulting, one of the […]
Your first answer may NOT be the right answer!
Your first answer may NOT be the right answer! I’m a big believer in “go […]
You don’t have to automate EVERYTHING to be successful
You don’t have to automate EVERYTHING to be successful I was discussing a data management […]
Technology won’t solve your process problems
Technology won’t solve your process problems Over the past few years I’ve watched as many […]
“Screen noise” is a real thing. You might be able to fix it.
“Screen noise” is a real thing. You might be able to fix it. One of […]
Success Starts at the Top
Success Starts at the Top I recently had a conversation with an association staffer who was […]
Who are you bringing along?
Who are you bringing along? Last week I had the opportunity to attend the AWTC […]